Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma Granted Conditional Permission for Chhattisgarh Assembly Session
In a significant development, Congress MLA and former minister Kawasi Lakhma has been granted permission to attend the upcoming budget session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly. This decision comes after Lakhma secured interim bail from the Supreme Court, with Assembly Speaker Raman Singh approving his participation subject to a stringent set of conditions.
Strict Conditions Imposed on MLA's Participation
Speaker Raman Singh has outlined multiple restrictions that Lakhma must adhere to during the session. The permission is not unconditional and carries specific limitations designed to maintain the dignity of the House while respecting judicial proceedings.
- Lakhma's presence will be strictly confined to Assembly proceedings only
- He must inform the Assembly Secretary about his arrival and departure times
- He is prohibited from visiting his Konta constituency or residential area during this period
- A "no speech" condition applies regarding the case currently sub judice in court
- His participation must be limited to session-related business exclusively
Speaker Singh issued a clear warning that any breach of these conditions would result in immediate cancellation of the permission. The House had sought Lakhma's opinion on February 7 and processed his request after obtaining legal counsel from the Advocate General.
Background of the Case and Supreme Court's Stance
Kawasi Lakhma was recently released on interim bail in connection with the alleged multi-thousand-crore liquor scam. Officials confirmed that he had been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate and remained in judicial custody for over a year before being granted bail. Despite his release, Lakhma continues to be an undertrial while serving as an elected MLA with nearly three years remaining in his current term.
The Supreme Court, while granting bail to the five-time tribal legislator from Bastar's Konta constituency, directed him to stay outside Chhattisgarh during the ongoing investigation. However, the court left the decision regarding his participation in assembly proceedings to the discretion of the Speaker.
According to excerpts from the Supreme Court order: "As regards the petitioner's participation in the legislative assembly during the period when the investigation is going on and the court takes cognizance against him, an appropriate decision shall be taken by the learned Speaker of the state assembly. We do not express any opinion in relation thereto."
Speaker's Clarification on Permissible Discussions
Speaker Raman Singh provided specific guidance on what Lakhma may and may not discuss during the session. "Lakhma may take part in discussions on other issues and raise matters related to his Konta constituency," Singh stated, "but he will not speak on or answer or raise anything linked to the case pending against him."
The Speaker further informed that other members of the Assembly have been notified about these restrictions. Since the matter is currently before the court, no discussion on the case is expected within the House proceedings.
Profile of the Congress Legislator
Kawasi Lakhma represents a prominent tribal face of the Congress party in the Bastar region. He has been elected five consecutive times from the Konta constituency and holds the distinction of being the only MLA in the Chhattisgarh assembly who cannot read or write. Despite this, he was previously entrusted with the sensitive excise portfolio, which has now become central to the allegations against him.
As the budget session approaches, all eyes will be on how this conditional permission plays out in practice, with both the legislative and judicial branches maintaining their respective jurisdictions in this complex political-legal scenario.
