In an embarrassing situation, Law Minister Kapil Sibal today was today forced to apologise in Rajya Sabha after a technical error was detected in a Constitutional amendment bill which paves way for the creation on a new system of appointment of judges to higher courts.
Sibal's apology came after Opposition members created an uproar, saying the legislation was rushed through in Rajya Sabha but not taken up in Lok Sabha which was adjourned sine die yesterday.
"I am deeply anguished with the fact that Constitutional Amendment Bill could not be taken up by Lok Sabha," he said.
"I say, once again, that despite my best efforts, I am sorry and it is regretted, the Bill could not be passed in the Lok Sabha. Are you happy," Sibal said seeking to silence the opposition which was not allowing the House to function till he apologised.
He explained that there was an error in the title of the bill. When introduced, it was titled Constitution (120th) Amendment Bill, but when passed it should have read as Constitution (99th) Amendment Bill.
"The Secretariat realised some error has taken place. The patent error was immediately intimated to the Chairman who corrected it and transmitted to Lok Sabha. The bill was printed and ready for passage. However, I regret despite our best efforts it could not be taken up by Lok Sabha. It was not intentional," he said.
The bill was passd by the Rajya Sabha two days back amid a walkout by BJP which wanted it to be referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee.
The Constitution Amendment Bill paves way for creation of a Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) to recommend appointment and transfer of judges of the Supreme Court and the 24 High courts.
The JAC will replace the Collegium system of appointments which is under criticism.
The main bill - the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, 2013 which which defines the establishment of the proposed body has already been referred to the Standing Committee.
