- October 19, 2023
Punjab Governor refuses to approve money bills, calls special session illegal

Punjab Governor refuses to approve money bills, calls special session illegal
The Governor of Punjab, Banwarilal Purohit, has refused to approve three money bills that have been sent to him for approval. The Governor has also stated that it is illegal to call a special session of the Punjab Assembly after the budget session is over.
In a letter to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, the Governor said that the special session of the Assembly was called in violation of the approved procedures and practices of the legislature and the provisions of the Constitution. He also said that since the budget session is over, it is illegal to call any extended session, and any proceedings held during such sessions are illegal and completely invalid.
The Governor suggested that the government should call a new monsoon or winter session if it wants to hold an assembly session. He also warned that he will take appropriate action, including reporting the matter to the President of India, if the government persists in continuing the illegal session.
The Chief Minister of Punjab has said that the government will study the Governor’s letter and take a decision accordingly.
This development has come at a time when the relationship between the Punjab government and the Governor has been strained. The Governor has been accused of overstepping his constitutional boundaries by interfering in the day-to-day functioning of the government.
It remains to be seen how the Punjab government will respond to the Governor’s refusal to approve the money bills and his statement that the special session of the Assembly is illegal.