RAIPUR: In a significant decision, Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Raman Singh has officially granted conditional permission to former Excise Minister and Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma, accused in the liquor scam, to participate in the upcoming Budget Session.
The 72-year-old six-time tribal legislator from the Konta constituency (Sukma) was granted interim bail on February 3 in connection with two separate liquor scam cases filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Chhattisgarh State police.
While the court directed Lakhma to remain outside Chhattisgarh during the investigation, it left the decision regarding his participation in Assembly proceedings to the discretion of the Speaker.
Following a reported meeting between Lakhma and Speaker Raman Singh, the Assembly Secretariat reviewed the legalities and issued a conditional clearance.
To maintain the balance between legislative duty and judicial restrictions, conditions have been imposed on Lakhma.
On logistics and tracking, the Congress legislator must provide the Assembly with their exact travel schedule and maintain an active mobile number for tracking.
The geographic restrictions will continue, and he is strictly prohibited from visiting his home constituency or other areas of the State outside the purview of the Assembly requirements.
The "No Speech" Clause has to be followed. Meanwhile, Lakhma is permitted to speak on Budget matters and legislative business. He is also barred from mentioning his legal charges or ongoing court proceedings on the floor of the House. Any violation of these terms will result in the immediate cancellation of his permission to attend.
The Budget Session of Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha will run from February 23 to March 20.
The session is slated to begin with the Governor’s Address, followed by the presentation of the Budget by the State Finance Minister on February 24.
Discussion on the Address will commence the following day.
Lakhma, who spent almost a year in custody before his release, remains a central figure in the state's political landscape.
This decision ensures that the Konta constituency has representation during the financial debates, even as its representative continues to navigate complex legal challenges.