TN advocate files PIL in SC seeking unveiling of new Parliament building by Prez Murmu

Delhi: A PIL was filed in the Supreme Court on Thursday seeking a direction to the Lok Sabha secretariat for inauguration of the new Parliament building by President Droupadi Murmu, who is the "first citizen of India and the head of the institution".

The petition says the respondents -- the Lok Sabha secretariat and the Union of India -- are "humiliating" the president by not inviting her for the inauguration.

The petition by an apex court lawyer comes amid a massive controversy over the scheduled inauguration of the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28.

19 opposition parties have boycott the inauguration

Some 19 opposition parties have decided to boycott the ceremony to protest against the "sidelining" of the President. At the same time, 25 parties, including those in the ruling NDA alliance, will attend the inauguration.

The PIL filed by advocate Jaya Sukin has contended that President is the First Citizen of India and head of the institution of Parliament. Also, all important decisions regarding the country are taken in the name of President.

The plea further states that Parliament, consisting of the President and the two Houses, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, is the supreme legislative authority in India and the President possesses the authority to summon and prorogue the Parliament or dissolve the Lok Sabha.

Citing Article 79 of the Constitution, the plea has contended that the President is an integral part of Parliament; hence she should not be kept away from the inauguration. To do so, smacks of lack of application on the part of the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, the 19 ‘recalcitrant’ political parties had said, "When the soul of democracy has been sucked out of Parliament, we find no value in a new building."

NDA Attacks Opposition

The BJP-led NDA had shot back, condemning the "contemptuous" decision. "This act is not merely disrespectful; it is a blatant affront to the democratic ethos and constitutional values of our great nation," it had said in a statement.

In a statement dated May 24, leaders of 14 parties of the ruling alliance implored the Opposition parties to reconsider their decision and said the people of India will not forget their "egregious insult" to the democracy and to the "elected representatives" if they stick to their stand.