Special Correspondent
Panaji
State Legislative Assembly Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar on Tuesday announced in the House that matters pending before courts and sub-judice issues cannot be discussed on the floor of the House.
Making this statement during the Question Hour, the Speaker outlined the legal and constitutional limits to which the legislators must adhere to.
He urged members to conduct House proceedings with due respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the dignity of all individuals, and called upon these legislators to exercise restraint in their remarks during debates.
Revolutionary Goans Party MLA Viresh Borkar earlier questioned the Speaker’s decision about barring discussion on sub-judice matters, stating that people approach courts as the government fails to listen.
He also expressed concern that such a rule would silence legislators from raising public issues.
The Speaker however disallows the plea.
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao raised a Point of Order in the House.
He asked the government as to why his question, seeking details in cabinet meetings and ex-post facto approvals is disallowed.
He observed that the government is weakening every brick of legislative process and democracy, further questioning the secrecy on the part of the government.
The Chief Minister later assured to take up the question on January 16.
Read more updates on sub-judice matters and Assembly proceedings on The Navhind Times.
