Puducherry

Chairperson of the  Privilege Committee and Assembly Deputy Speaker MNR  Balan confirmed this while talking to newspersons on Monday and said that the committee is examining the explanation. 

It may be noted that following a Supreme Court direction to hold local body elections  in the Union Territory, Lt Governor Kiran Bedi directed the Local Administration Department (LAD) to issue a newspaper advertisement for the appointment of the State Election Commissioner (SEC) and the department issued one.

However, soon after the advertisement appeared, the government appointed Balakrishnan as the SEC and announced it in the TerritorialAssembly.

Assembly Speaker  VP Sivakolundhu also gave his nod to the appointment since, it was on the basis of a resolution.

Since, Lt Governor Bedi differed on the matter, she referred the issue to the Union Home Ministry which directed  that the appointment of the SEC should be on thebasis of an all India advertisement.

Following this, the Lt Governor declared the appointment of Balakrishnan as null and void and  followingwhich the LAD had issued another advertisement. 

Considering this as a privilege issue, Congress legislator Jayamurthy submitted a memorandum to the Speaker who referred it to the privilege committee. The Committee summoned the Secretary LAD, Joint Secretary, Director  and  the Chief Secretary.

The Chief Secretary informed the committee that he will give his explanation in writing and sought five-day time.

Since, Kumar had failed to give it in writing, he was summoned to re-appear before the committee and meanwhile, he submitted the explanation in writing on Sunday to the committee.

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