SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR (Ballia) :

I did not want to say a word. But I was surprised by the speech made by my hon. friend, Shri Somnathji that because the hon. leaders decided something to have this Special Session in their wisdom, so we are duty bound to discuss something. I have not been able to understand the wisdom to call this Special Session. What was the urgency? I have every respect for the leaders. But the Constitution should not be so lightly amended. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill should not be taken so non-seriously. I may be excused to use this word. The Government of India shows its own mind by proposing an amendment, withdrawing the amendment and all that. I do not want to go into it. That has been the nature of things in today’s Parliamentary practice which is alien to anybody who knows something about the parliamentary procedure and dignity of parliamentary functioning. But that apart, that has been the standard to which we have stood to. I have nothing to say but it only shows fickle mindedness of the Government—they can pass the Bill, withdraw the same Bill and introduce another Bill.

About the other thing that is going to be discussed in this House, about which Mr. Somnath Chatterjee is so particular, I think, this is an affront in the name of amendment of the Constitution. The Constitution should not be amended to favour an individual; the Constitution should not be amended to punish an individual. The Constitution should be amended in order to bring about social transformation, certain basic changes in the functioning of the whole system. I am sorry to say this, Mr. Speaker. There are other provisions by which the Govenment could have taken a stand on these matters and have punished a person. If they think that the person is doing something wrong something wrong. But instead of facing the facts in all fairness and boldness, the Government is trying to bring about such a thing which is not ideological, which is not a principled stand. But it is being done because of the indecision of the Government of India, because they are suffering from chronic indecision and they want to use Parliament to bring them out from that catastrophe.Parliament should not be used for this purpose. I see no reason why this

House should discuss a Bill which they are proposing. Because it is not before the House, I do not want to make comments about it, but that was unnecessary.

Mr. Speaker, I shall tell you very humbly that you were advised by the Government and by the leaders of the Opposition for a matter...

SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR :

The Leader of the Opposition is sitting on the other side. It is not without any reason that I consider him my ideal. He sometimes strikes a point.

SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR :

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would still like to make a submission to the Government that they should not introduce the proposed Bill to amend the Constitution. This way it would be in keeping with their dignity, the dignity of the Constitution and the dignity of the House.

It is my submission that you should consider what can be done with a unanimous decision and leave everything else. It would preserve the dignity and honour of the House.