Jan Lokpal Bill should not be introduced in Delhi Assembly if constitutional procedures are not followed: Harshvardhan

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Harshvardhan on Friday said if the Delhi Government was not following constitutional procedure in the context of the Jan Lokpal Bill, then the bill should not be introduced in the state assembly at all.

"We have made it clear that we are in complete support of the Jan Lokpal Bill, but they should complete those constitutional processes before introducing the bill," said Harshvardhan.

"We will support this bill only if it's brought in a constitutional way. The Lt. Governor has written a letter, and he has said that it is unconstitutional, and I think if he is saying that the constitutional procedure has not been followed in context of the bill, it is also unconstitutional to introduce the bill in the assembly," he said.

"That is why we are requesting the government to follow the procedures required, and then, bring it in the Vidhan Sabha. The people of the country also know that if the LG has written a letter in which he has stated that the actions of the Delhi Government are unconstitutional, then, I think, it is important to respect the Constitution," he added.

The Delhi Government sought to table the bill in the assembly late this afternoon despite the L-G's letter to the Speaker.

Earlier today, Jung wrote to the Delhi Speaker, saying that the Jan Lokpal Bill cannot be tabled in the Assembly, as it does not have his approval on it.

The session has been called for passage of contentious anti-corruption legislation Jan Lokpal Bill and Swaraj Bills proposed by Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government.