Appointment of Raghav Chadha as Chairman

 11th July 2022 at 6:34 PM

This appointment is under legal scanner 

*Under Article 102 of Indian Constitution M.P. can be disqualified if he holds any office of  Profit Under Govt. Which is expressly not excluded by Parliament expalined advocate Hemant Kumar.

Chandigarh: 11th July 2022: (Hemant Kumar//Punjab Screen India)::

The appointment of Raghav Chadha, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Member of Parliament of Rajya Sabha  from the State of Punjab as Chairman of Advisory Committee (AC) by Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, has, apart from inviting political criticism by opposition parties in the State, has also come under a sort of legal scanner.

An Advocate at Punjab and Haryana High Court, Hemant Kumar, while quoting Article 102(1)(a) of Constitution of India asserts that Member of Parliament (M.P.) of either House of Parliament can be disqualified as such if he holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of the State other than an office declared by Parliament by law not to disqualify its holder.

Hemant  says that in pursuance of above Article,  a law namely Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959 was enacted by Parliament itself as Act No. 10 of 1959 which has been amended several times in last six decades and which specifies explicit names and designations of certain offices both under the Government of India as well as Government of different States in the country  the holding of whom by MPs would not disqualify them as Members of Parliament.

The Advocate further elaborated that Section 3(h) of aforementioned 1959 Act excludes the Office of Chairman or member of a committee (whether consisting of one or more members), set up temporarily for the purpose of advising the Government or any other authority in respect of any matter of public importance or for the purpose of making an inquiry into, or collecting statistics in respect of, any such matter, if the holder of such office is not entitled to any remuneration other than compensatory allowance.

Pertinent that the Advisory Committee (AC) in Punjab has been constituted vide a State Government Notification dated July 6, 2022 nevertheless as an temporary (adhoc) committee to advise the Government of Punjab on matters of public importance pertaining to Public Administration. The Chairperson and members of ibid Committee are however not entitled to any compensation, remuneration or perks of any kind or nomenclature in respect of such appointment. They shall not even be entitled to payments that are compensatory in nature, including any reimbursements.

Hence, in view of Section 3(h) of the 1959 Act, the office of Chairperson of PAC seems to be out of purview of Office of Profit.

However, Hemant recalls that when in May, 2004  UPA-1 dispensation headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh, then Prime Minister of India, came to power, immediately National Advisory Council (NAC) was constituted in June,2004 which was headed by none other than then Congress party President, Sonia Gandhi.

Two years later in March, 2006 in the aftermath of then Rajya Sabha MP from Samajwadi Party, Jaya Bachchan, getting disqualified on account of her concurrently  holding the post of Chairperson of Uttar Pradesh Film Development Council which was held as Office of Profit firstly by then President of India, on the opinion given by Election Commission of India ( which was later also upheld by Supreme Court of India in May, 2006),  days after Jaya’s disqualification in ibid case, Sonia Gandhi also tendered as resignation not only then Lok Sabha MP from Amethi  but also as Chairperson of NAC. Actually, BJP and certain opposition parties then raised hue and cry over Sonia’s disqualification also as MP since NAC was labelled as Office of Profit.

Meanwhile, both Jaya and Sonia got re-elected to Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in next few months after their disqualification and resignation respectively.  

However, in August, 2006 the Parliament amended Section 3 of 1959 Act by incorporating new sub-section 3(ad) which specifically excluded  the office of the Chairperson of the National Advisory Council as constituted by the Government of India in the Cabinet Secretariat on May 31, 2004. However, Sonia Gandhi re-assumed charge of Chairperson of NAC only in March, 2010 and she remained as such till May, 2014 when UPA-2 Government was voted out of power.

Amidst all this, Hemant questions that it remains to be examined thoroughly  that if recently constituted Advisory Committee is akin to then Sonia Gandhi led NAC in the Manmohan Singh led two successive UPA regimes.  And if office of Chairperson, NAC had to be specifically included in the 1959 law  by an Amendment Act of Parliament so as to grant statutory immunity to Sonia Gandhi from being disqualified as MP on account of her holding such Office, then perhaps the same night also be needed in case of Raghav Chadha led Advisory Commitee in Punjab. 

Phoolka is not happy with the misbehaviour of the Delhi team

Tue, Sep 13, 2016 at 5:08 PM

A social media campaign started by volunteers

Ludhiana: 13 September 2016: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

File photo by Rector Kathuria for Punjab Screen

AAP Senior leader HS Phoolka’s absence from the Kisan Manifesto Rally has not gone down well with the party volunteers. A social media campaign started by party volunteers from all the parts of the world clearly indicates the concern of the volunteers about the cracks in the senior leadership of the party.

It is said that he is not happy with the misbehaviour of the Delhi team with the volunteers. One of the reasons of Phoolka’s not attending the rally was that a complaint sent by 500 volunteers to the NDC (National Disciplinary Committee) 3 months ago was totally ignored. The people against whom complaint was sent by volunteers were given high positions in the party and these volunteers were sidelined.

The copy of the complaint is enclosed which is self explanatory.

AAP volunteer from Ludhiana, Raj Fateh Singh said that a person named Vikram Mann, who abused senior volunteers of the party and against whom 500 other volunteers filed a complaint with signatures and proofs to the National Disciplinary Committee, no action was taken against Vikram Maan and instead he was appointed In-charge of Dakha constituency. Phoolka ji has decided not to speak to media.

The volunteers of Ludhiana held a meeting and decided that volunteers will come to check the false rumours being spread. Phoolka ji has taken stand to uphold the respect of the volunteers and we have taken a stand to uphold the respect of Phoolka ji. We are issuing it without his approval as we feel it is necessary for us to speak. We know that the above reasons are correct as he has discussed with us many times before.

AAP Mass Contact Programme continued in Ludhiana

Thu, Feb 19, 2015 at 5:19 PM

Road Show in Ludhiana West gets tremendous response

Ludhiana: 19 feb 2015: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

AAP Ludhiana today carried out a Mass Contact Programme cum Road Show in Ludhiana West, which got an overwhelming response from the public. AAP District convener Ahbaab Singh Grewal said that following the party’s phenomenal performance in the Delhi Elections, it was decided that AAP would carry out road shows in all constituencies of the district and tried to reach out to the people. In this regard a road road show was held today, which was welcomed by the city residents everywhere.  As per instructions from the state executive we will start a Mass Contact Programme on February 26 to strengthen party’s organization.   The route of today’s road show was Sarabha Nagar, BRS Nagar E Block, Orient Cinema, BRS nagar J Block, Western Mall, Ferozepur Road, Rajguru Nagar, Dashehra Ground, BRS nagar, Lodhi Club, Pakhowal Road, From Hero Bakery Chowk to Kochar Market, Bus stand, Bharat Nagar chowk, Durga Mata Mandir, Rakh Baag Road, Fountain Chowk, Old Court Chowk, Dandi Swami Road, DMC Road, Kitchlu Nagar, Hero Heart, Government  College Road, Rose Garden, Ghumar Mandi,  Aarti Chowk, Bhai Bala Chowk, Pakhowal to Hero Bakery, Malhaar Road to back to party office at Gurdev Nagar. 

In todays  road show party’s  members  Col. Lakhanpal, Jai Reet Singh Dhindsa, Varinder Khara, Sartaaj Singh, Jeevan Singh Sangowal, Jagdeep Singh Ghumman,  Raj Fateh Singh, Nishant Kohli, Puneet Sahni, Sumit jaiswal, Amritpal Singh, Neeru Bala, Rajinderpal Kaur, Pawan Kumar, Pyush Kumar, Manjit Singh, Ravi, Daljeet Singh, Col. Darshan Singh Dhillon, Pardeep Kumar, R. P. Singh, Balwant Singh Minia, Tarlochan Singh Bedi, Atul Datta, Sarabhjeet Singh, Jagtar Singh Devgan, G. S. Kang, Udeavaan, Navpreet Singh Bedi, Hazura Singh (USA) and so on were present.

Candle march in support of missing girl

Mon, Jun 2, 2014 at 9:23 PM
AAP joined movement

Charndigarh: 2nd June 2014: (Punjab Screen Bureau):
Candle march was organised today by Aam Admi party in support of Gunreet kaur aged 17 years ,who is missing since 19th May 2014. Hundreds of aap supporters and students from Punjab University joined the movement , It was lead by Himmat Singh Shergill, aap candidate from shri Anandpur Sahib parliament seat and gunreet's mother Sukhdeep Kaur . The march was started from local Gurudwara Shri Amb Sahib ,with people  holding candles and banners showing gunreets photo.Mother Sukhdeep kaur told the media that she is going daily to the police station but they are giving lame excuses. She said she has also met new SSP  Mohali but the police hasn't yet started the investigation properly. During this protest Himmat singh shergill  talked to the media and said that now all citizens of Mohali are with missing daughters mother and we will meet SSP on 4th June, and we are also planing to arrange a bigger protest march and dharna in front of police station and SSP office in support of Gunreet Kaur's mother.Baldev Singh, president of sikh dharmi fauji association Punjab, and many senior citizens and young girls were part of  this protest .
Gunreet Kaur  class ten student is missing from Mohali, She is the only daughter of a divorcee  mother. When her mother went to the police station on 19th May, police just wrote DDR, but did not take quick action. The same night, she ran here and there, alone searching for her daughter. The next day, police registered FIR number 108 at police station sector 66 Mohali and SHO asked the mother to wait for few days because he was busy in IPL matches , after IPL match when she again went to meet the police officer he again came up with a new excuse and said that he was busy in drug cases.

Politicians devastated Govt Structure and suppressed The People

Phoolka Carried out a grand Public Meeting in Sherpur

Ludhiana, March 30, 2014: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

“The political leaders have corrupted the entire government structure of Punjab,due to which the  government employees do not function without bribes and recommendations of such influential personalities . We want freedom from this corrupt system and such politicos”, said Mr. Harvinder Singh Phoolka, at the grand public meeting held in Sherpur, 100 foot road, Ludhiana.

Addressing the thousands of people gathered in the meeting, Mr. Phoolka said “The honest officers are generally discriminated and corrupt officials are promoted to higher positions, by such political leaders. The main objective of any political party should be, providing quality education in government schools, proficient facilities in government health care centers and hospitals and protection to the common man. Till now, no minister has thought about these issues. While expressing his concern for the people of Punjab, Phoolka said “Due to lack of education, proper amenities in hospitals and police busy in providing protection to the VIPs, the society is in distress.”

Its a common belief among the corrupt politicians that they can win the elections on the basis of money and hooliganism. The common man can’t be fooled anymore. And they will prove it in these elections that money and alcohol cannot buy them the vote of the citizens of Punjab, but they will Vote, Support and Elect the right candidate.

Phoolka ensured the labor class which was in attendance in a huge number, that labour laws will be implemented efficiently and proficiently. Along with Mr. Phoolka and other party workers, Capt. Gurwinder Singh Kang, Col. JS Gill, Advocate Prabh Sahay Kaur Phoolka were also there. 

‘Tofaani’ campaigning in Ludhiana Constituency

Tue, Mar 11, 2014 at 8:49 PM
Question was-What kind of Punjab you want

Ludhiana: 11 March 2014: (Punjab Screen Bureau): 
Mr. H.S. Phoolka, AAP candidate for Lok Sabha from Ludhiana carried out an intensive, “toofani” campaigning in the villages around Ludhiana today braving the rain and storm. The villages included Alamghir, Dhalleia, Kainth, Bhor, Ghawdi, Shanker, Guram, Mukandpur, Khatra, Batari, Dhade, Rurka, Delhon, Sayankalan, Sayankhurd, Bulara, falling in Gill.

Mr. Phoolka interacted with young and old in the villages. Besides a speech, he called upon the people to tell him what kind of Punjab do they want. People were very excited about interacting with Mr Phoolka and a young boy of 12-13 answered the question by saying- “the kind you will get for us.” The people also told Mr. Phoolka about the issues they face such as unemployment, river water going to other states, drugs, price inflation, etc.

Intensive campaigning in Ludhiana city and in villages around Ludhiana is on in full force by Mr. Phoolka himself. Many more campaigns in Ludhiana are also being planned, in addition to the ones conducted last week such as Listen To Ludhiana. All efforts towards the polls on 30th April from Ludhiana are being made.

SAD’s demand is illegal

Special Court to go into 1984 Riots cases

Ludhiana: 7th March 2014: (Punjab Screen Bureau):

The statement of Chief Minister Punjab, Sardar Prakash Singh Badal in the Punjab Assembly demanding setting up of a Special Court headed by a SC judge to look into the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots cases is highly surprising. Unfortunately, the demand has been made without any thought going into it whatsoever. A Special Court is constituted for trial of cases and is headed by a Sessions Judge. For constituting a Special Court, an Act needs to be passed by the Parliament or the Assembly. Both the Parliament as well as the Delhi Assembly are suspended. Hence, no such Act can be possibly passed in the near future.

Moreover, as of now, only 3 cases are pending trial. It is highly illogical that a demand of a Special Court is being made to try only 3 cases?

Unless, reinvestigation is done, cases cannot be reopened. Thus the demand is rather baseless. 237 FIR’s have been closed by the Police. To reopen these cases, the Kejriwal Government had recommended formation of the SIT.   Ironically, the Akali Dal opposed the same. What is needed the most is reopening of these 237 cases wrongly closed and reinvestigation done in these. Then only can cases go to trial.  

On one hand the Akali Dal opposes a genuine demand to reopen cases which would go a long way in bringing the perpetrators to book, and on the other hand they are raising a groundless demand of a Special Court. 

Poorest people kept out of water subsidy ?

Thu, Jan 2, 2014 at 11:03 AM
It's Drama of AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal-Grewal
New Delhi ( Sarojani Park ): 2 Jan 2014: (Punjab screen Bureau): 

National Secretary BJP Kisan Morcha and Prabhari Himachal Pradesh Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal said that It's a Drama of AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal, he kept poorest out of water subsidy scheme in Delhi. In a press statement here today, he said that the subsidy ignores weakest families and includes only a small layer of people with metered consumption. He said that that's are unquantified amount given to unidentifiable section of people weaker category. Grewal clear that only through this subsidy Delhi Government not cut down the rates or the cost, it's only uses the tax payers money to subsidise only a section. He stated that a subsidy may prove counter productive for more vulnerable section people. He said that taken illustration of the scheme to subsidise water for those consuming less than twenty kilo's litre water through a metered system. He said that the real challenge is that those outside the water supply system must be connected to it. Grewal stated that laying down the pipelines in every locality of Delhi, installation of taps in every house can only be provided by a healthy board and not a financially vulnerable Delhi Jal Board. He said that area without a pipeline, households without a tap, households without a meter, households with defective meters are not entitled to any subsidy. He stated that the household in the NDMC area those who lesser paid employees, households in Delhi Cantonment area have all been kept out of the water subsidy of AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal. He said that it is well known that Delhi has about eighteen lakh's water connections and in which eight point five lakh have functional meters only. He said it is also well known that about five lakh's meters are non functional, defective and rest are un metered. Grewal stated that in Delhi large number of jughi's have no water connection and are not covered by the free water scheme, so they are reliant only on water tankers in that Area. He said that in Delhi there are large number of unauthorized colonies have no pipelines and are yet to be covered by laying of water pipelines also. Grewal said it is clear that some of Delhi's middle class whose connections are metered and who keep their consumption below twenty kilo litre or six hundred sixty six litre's per day alone are entitled to the free water scheme. He said that it is also well known that people whose consumption exceeds twenty kilo litre mark would be charged for the entire consumption with a hike of 10% in tariff by Arvind Kejriwal's Delhi Government. Grewal said that it is simple and clear that Arvind Kejriwal dived Delhi into four categories. He said that is those who have no taps or pipeline connections, so are outside the scheme. Next one are those with defective or no meters would also be outside the scheme and paying for water in Delhi. He said next are only those with functional meters and consuming below twenty kilo litres per month who get the benefit. Grewal said that the last one's are those which are with functional meters who consume above then twenty kilo litres would pay 10% extra to Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal's Government. He said that it is clear the scope of the benefit of people of Delhi has narrowed down to just some of the households falling in one of four categories of Delhi. Grewal again said that It's only a Drama of AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal, it is true that he kept poorest out of water subsidy scheme after sometime people of Delhi know this reality.

AAP Govt. will collapse very soon-Grewal

Sun, Dec 29, 2013 at 8:18 PM
It will will happen due to its own contradictions
Ludhiana:29 December 2013: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

BJP Kisan Morcha National Secretary and Prabhari Himachal Pradesh Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal on the eve of Arvind Kejriwal's swearing function in as Delhi chief minister, said that our Party BJP asked its newly elected MLA's to be prepared for snap polls in near future, stating that tenability of AAP government with Congress support looks extremely suspect. In a press statement here today he said that the whole idea of a party professing clean politics aligning with the most corrupt political party in history is ridiculous and it's collapse would be under its own contradictions. He said that the new dispensation has started on a shaky wicket in view of the dissenting statements from Congress over support to AAP. Grewal stated that there are several statements from the Congress leadership, it's one says support as per manifesto, other says it is unconditional support and third say no, no, it is simple support. He said it's the beginning, of Aam Aadmi Party itself seems to be on a shaky wicket. Grewal taking a dig at AAP, said it is the same party which had called all other political parties thief. He questioned now are they Aam Aadmi Party ( AAP ) happy going with them ( Congress ). I wish that they would not have called all the political parties thief. He demanded that AAP and Congress come clean on the deal between them over government formation, he said Arvind Kejriwal led new government should start fulfilling its promise of starting inquiry into scams and corruption cases committed by the previous dispensation. Grewal said it's should be clear that people of Delhi also want to know the deal between AAP and Congress. He said that the intention of the new government would soon become clear when it opens corruption cases against Congress. Grewal also demanded that the new government order a high-level and time bound enquiry into the bungling committed during the former Chief Minister Delhi Sheila Dikshit regime. He said that there are over two dozen's scams. There are Commonwealth Games scam, Yamuna cleaning scam, DTC bus purchase bungling, power and water scam among many others. He also demanded the new Government should ensure stern punishment to the guilty. He said that our Party BJP welcomes the new government and expects that it will fulfil the promises made to the public within a fixed time frame so that people suffering due to Congress misrule for the last 15 years may get relief to the people of Delhi.

Movement against levying of Property Tax

Aam Aadmi Party will meet delegation on 26th

Ludhiana(Rector Kathuria and SK Gogna):The efforts of the Aam Aadmi Party have borne fruit with the Municipal Corporation Zone A Commissioner deputing a delegation of Deputy Directors of Local Bodies to hear the objections which have been raised against imposition of Property Tax.  A meeting of the Aam Aadmi Party members with the delegation will take place on the 26th of this month. 
It is to be noted that protest against the proposed Property Tax became a big issue when the Aam Aadmi Party raised objections to it and submitted a memorandum along with starting a signature campaign in which thousands of citizens of the district participated. “The new property tax will be an additional huge burden on the shoulders of the common man who is already suffering greatly due to high inflation” said Party District Convenor Mr. Harjot Singh. 
The Aam Aadmi Party Awareness campaign resulted in 122 individuals also filing objections to the Property tax in the last 5 days after the party made it an issue of concern for the aam aadmi. AAP will be putting up the perspective of the common man in front of the delegation giving a voice to some serious issues like misuse of already collected funds and rampant corruption which need to be controlled rather than imposition of the new tax. Copies of the signatures collected will also be handed over to the delegation. 
“We will strongly urge the government to revoke its decision on levying of Property tax but if the delegation dismisses all our objections and does not pay serious attention to revoking this new taxation, the Aam Aadmi Party will launch a massive campaign in the city”, said Mr. Balbir Aggarwal, District Secretary.                                                       ====

Newer ways of corruption ?

Aam Aadmi Party staged a Dharna Rector Kathuria and SK Gogna

The Aam Aadmi party members today  outside the Corporation office and met  Municipal Commissioner Mr. Rakesh Verma to protest against the levying of the new property tax and have submitted an ultimatum of 5 days for removal of the tax in the district. The citizens of Ludhiana gathered in large numbers to support the Aam Aadmi party protest against 

Property tax.    

According to the District Secretary of Aam Aadmi Party Mr. Balbir Aggarwal, “The administration instead of focusing on providing better basic amenities to the people, is focusing on thinking up new means of imposing taxes and newer ways of corruption. Projects like removing encroachments from city roads and providing proper sanitation and good roads should be the priority of the local administration and not the desire to find new ways to burden the common man”.

Aam Aadmi members had a long meeting with the officials of the Corporation including the Municipal Commissioner in which they provided proofs of how public money was being pilfered and if the government stopped all that corruption it would have no need to impose new taxes on the Citizens of Ludhiana.

Aam Aadmi party members including District Convenor Mr. Harjot Singh, Mr. Balbir Aggarwal, Mr. Gulshan Kumar, Mr. Suresh Aggarwal, Mr. Bhupinder Singh, Mr. Mohit Mittal, Mr. Raman, Mr. Manjeet Singh, Mr. Ravinder Singh, Mr. Kanav Vats, Mr. Ajay Mittal and Mr. Raghuveer Singh thanked the people of Ludhiana for wholeheartedly supporting the protest against Property tax.

The Party Spokesman Dr. S. S. Butter informed that the party volunteers will be setting up awareness camps in most areas of the city to make people aware about this new tax and also launch an extensive signature campaign against it starting from tomorrow to try and force the District Administration to revoke its decision.

Imposition of Property Tax