The Governor of Punjab, Banwarilal Purohit, wrote to the Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, on Saturday, continuing their verbal battle. The governor had earlier asked for information from the secretary of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday regarding the legislative matters that would be discussed at the Assembly session on September 27.
Reacting to this, Mann tweeted, “Governor/President consent before any session of Legislature is a formality. In 75 years, no President/Governor ever asked for a list of Legislative business before calling the session. Legislative business is decided by BAC (Business Advisory Council) and the speaker. Next Governor will ask for all speeches also to be approved by him. Its too much.”
After this, Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit taught the text of the Constitution to CM Bhagwant Mann so that he can understand why the special session was canceled and what is the correct procedure to call the session according to the constitution.
The governor told CM Mann that after reading his statement in the media, he felt that perhaps he was very angry with me. It seems that the legal advisors of CM Mann are not giving him enough information. Therefore, the provisions of Articles 167, and 168 of the Constitution have been sent for reading. CM Mann's opinion about him will definitely change after reading this.
Art 167 Duties of the Chief Minister as respects the furnishing of information to the Governor etc- It shall be the duty of the Chief Minister of each State
(a) To communicate to the Governor of the State all decisions of the council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the State and proposals for legislation;
(b) To furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the State and proposals for legislation as the Governor may call for; and
(c) If the Governor so requires, to submit for the consideration of the Council of Ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a Minister but which has not been considered by the council
Art 168: Constitution of the Legislatures in States
(1) For every State there shall be a legislature which shall consist of the Governor, and
a) In states of......two houses
b) In other states, one house