AP Assembly passes Special Courts Bill; opposition walks out

YSRC sought to take up debate on price rise, which was disallowed by Speaker

Update: 2015-09-03 20:47 GMT
Representational Image.

Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed several bills, including Andhra Pradesh Special Courts Bill, that seeks to expeditiously conduct trial in cases of ill-gotten wealth even as the opposition walked out amid uproarious scenes.

The passing of the bills was preceded by exchanges between the ruling TDP and the YSRC that led to adjournment of the House twice. The YSR Congress (YSRC) sought the House to take up debate on price rise, which was disallowed by Speaker K Siva Prasad. When the House re-assembled after an adjournment, Reddy said his party would "yield" only if the Speaker assured that price rise issue would be taken up later.

Noting that the issue would be included in the agenda, the Speaker, however, said it will come up for debate based on the YSRC's cooperation. TDP Chief Whip Kalva Srinivasulu asked if the opposition leader was indulging in "black-mailing" and directing the Speaker.

Certain remarks of Labour Minister K Atchnnaidu prompted the YSRC members troop into the well of the House and raise slogans, which prompted the Speaker to adjourn the House for the second time.

When the House re-assembled, the Speaker said any unparliamentary remarks would be expunged from the records. The comments made by the YSRC leader on occasions were condemned by the TDP Chief Whip. Later, when bills were about to be introduced, Jaganmohan Reddy opposed to the government for introducing the bills without giving sufficient time for opposition to study.

Finance and Legislative Affairs Minister Y Ramakrishnudu said time is short for the government and that he would request the Speaker and entire House on the matter. The YSRCP members walked out of the House, though they did not say anything to the effect.

Observing that it is not correct for the opposition to walk out without saying anything, though they have a right to do so, Ramakrishnudu said the YSRC needs to clarify whether the walk out is only for the Special Courts bill or all.

The Andhra Pradesh Special Courts Bill, 2015 was passed later. The bill aims at recovering ill-gotten wealth from individuals involved in corruption, or various kinds of financial frauds, as well as conducting speedy trial.

Other bills passed today include Andhra Pradesh (Telangana Area) Horse Racing and Betting Tax Regulation, Andhra Pradesh Farmers' Management of Irrigation Systems (Amendment) Bill, Andhra Pradesh Protection of Depositors of Financial Establishments (Amendment) Bill.

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