PANAJI
In a fresh development over the recently curtailed budget session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, the Revolutionary Goans Party MLA Viresh Borkar has moved a breach of privilege notice against Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar, alleging serious procedural violations and a “pre-determined” conduct of proceedings.
The notice, submitted under Rule 76 of the Rules of Procedure, pertains to the March 16 sitting, when the Budget Session was curtailed following the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the April 9 Ponda by-election.
“Evidence has emerged that the outcome of the proceedings was predetermined and scripted in advance in connivance with the executive, making the entire day of March 16 a single coordinated operation of which the Speaker was the central instrument,” he charged.
In his complaint, Borkar alleged that the Speaker failed to properly apply procedural rules during the morning session, allowing what he termed an “inadmissible and prolonged” discussion on the Model Code of Conduct, even though it was not part of the listed business of the House.
He further claimed that the discussion was permitted to turn into a full-fledged debate without following due process, and that the Chair neither routed the matter through the prescribed procedure nor issued a clear ruling to resume scheduled business.
Raising more serious concerns, the RGP MLA cited official records, including Assembly transcripts and valedictory remarks, to claim that references to the passage of the Appropriation Bill and completion of legislative business were recorded in past tense even before proceedings had concluded.
“This raises a grave constitutional question on whether the outcomes of the sitting… were pre-decided,” the notice stated, terming the developments a breach of legislative privilege and contempt of the House.
Borkar has urged that the matter be referred to the Committee on Privileges for a detailed probe, seeking examination of official records, summoning of legislature secretariat officials, and review of video recordings of the proceedings.
He said the move was necessary to safeguard the dignity and independence of the legislature and to ensure that the events of March 16 are properly scrutinised and placed on record.
