Jharkhand People's Party (JPP) have decided to boycott the state assembly foundation day on November 22 in protest against Raghubar Das-headed state government's proposal to amend decades-old Chhotanagpur and Santal Paragana Tenancy Act (CNT and SPT).
"We will stage a dharna during the winter session of assembly on 21st November, which will be followed by boycott of Assembly Foundation Day function on November 22 in protest against the government's move to amend the tenancy act despite the fact that the President of India had already returned the Ordinance placed before him by the government, said JPP President Surya Singh Besra told a press meet here.
Besra said as CNT and SPT were enlisted in the 9th Schedule of the Constitution, the state assembly as well as Parliament could only recommend for any amendment in the Act to the President of India but did not have any right to do it under Articles 31B and 13.
Referring to a judgement by the constitutional bench of Supreme Court in 2007, Besra stated that as per the verdict of the apex court, the tenancy act enlisted under 9th schedule of the constitution can not be amended in normal condition but with the consent of President of India.
President of India had already returned an Ordinance brought by the state government in this regard recently, he said claiming that the government's move to amend the tenancy act, which was framed to protect the interest of tribal community, for the second time was not only "unconstitutional but also a contempt of court".
JPP would soon file a Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court against Jharkhand Government in this regard, he said.
About Opposition parties coming under a platform in protest against the government's move, Besra hailed the opposition unity on CNT and SPT issue but it should not be politicized and misguide the masses..
In fact, former Chief Ministers Babulal Marandi and Hemant Soren had themselves proposed to bring about an amendment in the CNT and SPT during their respective tenure.
Besra said the 7th General Convention of the party will be on 30th December in Jamshedpur when the party would take up the CNT and SPT issue for discussion and next court of action.
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