Governor returns Odisha Police Bill-2015

Bhubaneswar, Nov 5: In a setback to the BJD-led Odisha government, Governor S.C. Jamir has returned the Odisha Police Bill-2015 passed by the state assembly during the monsoon session this year.

The governor asked the home department to table the Bill again in the assembly for discussion.

Confirming the development, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh said: “This is not unprecedented. Such developments have taken place earlier since Article 200 of the Indian Constitution has given power to the governor of a state to return a Bill for further deliberation in the assembly.”

Notably, the Bill was passed in the state assembly on August 7 in the absence of the opposition Congress and BJP members.

The opposition Congress had submitted a memorandum to the governor on August 28 urging him not to accept the Bill as it was passed in violation of assembly proceedings and Supreme Court directions.

“The government faced a strong slap on its face after governor returns the Bill for reconsideration. We welcome the decision as it is a victory of democracy,” said Congress chief whip Taraprasad Bahinipati.

Leader of BJP legislature party Basant Panda said the way the governor has returned the contentious Bill speaks volumes of the undemocratic move of the state government in passing the Bill in the house.

“The state government should take it as a reminder and not repeat such undemocratic practices in future on the floor of the house,” said Panda.