Observing that the Constitution is very clear on the roles of the Judiciary and the Legislature, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee on Monday said both should not cross the "Lakshman Rekha" (limits).
"There is no question of any fresh explanation. The Constitution is very clear on this. No legislature in any way will interfere in the functioning of the Judiciary", he told reporters in Patna.
He was replying to a question whether he thought that the domain of the Legislature and Judiciary needed to be redefined in the wake of the Supreme Court issuing notice to him in connection with the expulsion of MPs from Parliament.
Asked of his decision not to reply to the notice would lead to a confrontation with the Judiciary, he retorted, "We have done nothing that should lead to a confrontation with the Judiciary. We have a Lakshman Rekha and they should also have a Lakshman Rekha".
"We never undermine the Judiciary. We all respect it. No sub-judice matters are discussed in the House and no remarks are made against the honourable judges. I affirm again and again that the Judiciary is entitled to respect."
{{/usCountry}}"We never undermine the Judiciary. We all respect it. No sub-judice matters are discussed in the House and no remarks are made against the honourable judges. I affirm again and again that the Judiciary is entitled to respect."
{{/usCountry}}He said when the Lok Sabha decided to expel its members there was no standing order of the court on such matters and it was only after due deliberations with leaders of political parties, presiding officers of state legislatures and legal luminaries that the decision of not responding to the notice was taken.
The Speaker earlier inaugurated the first-ever orientation programme for the members of the Bihar Assembly jointly organised by the Assembly Secretariat and the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and training of the Lok Sabha Secretariat.