BJP requests President to refer ordinance back to govt

In the memorandum, BJP has pointed out that a bill on the issue is pending in the Rajya Sabha and has been referred by the Chairperson to a Standing Committee.

“What was the urgency that the government was compelled to bring this legislation through the ordinance route? The only compelling reason for bypassing Parliament and taking the ordinance route is to help a class of tainted politicians who have been already convicted or are apprehensive of a court judgement in near future,” the memorandum said.

Swaraj described the ordinance as “immoral and unconstitutional”. She said the talks with President Mukherjee on the issue were good and that he has assured that he will examine the matter.

Jaitley maintained that the President is not “duty-bound” to give assent to this Ordinance as it goes against provisions of the Constitution and he should refer it back to the government with his comments.