# Asok Pande v. Sri Azam Khan & Ors

- **Citation:** (2016) 4 ILRA 1089
- **Court:** High Court of Judicature at Allahabad
- **Decided:** 2016-04-08
- **Bench:** Amreshwar Pratap Sahi, Attau Rahman Masoodi
- **Source:** https://unisonlegal.in/judgment/allahabad-high-court/asok-pande-v-sri-azam-khan-ors-43549
- **Pages:** 13

## Headnote

C.S.C.,A.S.G.,Abhinav N. Trivedi

Writ of Quo Warranto - Removal of Cabinet Minister - Alleged loss of pleasure of Governor -
Remarks made inside Legislative Assembly - Doctrine of Pleasure under Articles 163 & 164 -
Judicial Review - Political Question - Privilege of Legislature under Articles 194 & 212 - Nonjusticiability - Petition dismissed.

Quo Warranto - Scope - A writ of quo warranto lies to test eligibility or statutory/constitutional
disqualification of a public office holder - It cannot be invoked on the basis of alleged impropriety,
displeasure, or political disagreement unless a clear constitutional or statutory bar is demonstrated.

Doctrine of Pleasure - Articles 163 & 164 - Ministers hold office "during the pleasure of the Governor"
under Article 164(1), but such pleasure is exercised in consonance with the advice of the Chief Minister -
Appointment and removal of a Minister is primarily a constitutional and political function - Court cannot
compel removal of a Minister merely on the basis of an alleged expression of displeasure by the Governor.

Alleged Loss of Pleasure - Not Established - Communication by the Governor expressing displeasure
regarding remarks made by a Minister in the House does not ipso facto amount to formal withdrawal of
pleasure under Article 164 - No statutory disqualification shown - Hence no ground for quo warranto.

Legislative Privilege and Immunity -
Article 194 guarantees freedom of speech in Legislature and immunity from court proceedings for statements
made therein.
Article 212 bars courts from inquiring into proceedings of the Legislature on grounds of procedural irregularity.
Remarks made inside the House, even if subsequently expunged by the Speaker, are protected proceedings
beyond judicial scrutiny.

Expunction by Speaker - Once objectionable remarks are expunged under the authority of the Speaker in
exercise of powers under Articles 208 and 210 read with Rules of Procedure, the matter remains within
legislative domain and cannot be re-opened in writ jurisdiction.

Political Question Doctrine - Relationship between Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers is
governed by constitutional conventions and democratic accountability - Courts cannot act as arbiters in interinstitutional political disagreements unless constitutional breakdown or illegality is demonstrated.

Constitutional Morality and Trust - Though Courts may legitimately expect high standards of propriety
and restraint from constitutional functionaries, such expectations do not translate into enforceable judicial
directions in absence of constitutional violation.

No Mandamus Issuable - Court cannot issue mandamus to the Chief Minister to remove a Minister nor
treat Governor's displeasure as binding command - Matter lies within constitutional framework and political
wisdom of the executive.

Held:

Alleged objectionable remarks made by a Cabinet Minister inside the Legislative Assembly and an expression
of displeasure by the

## Text

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4. In continuation thereof, in the same case, directions were issued that are reported in
Noise Pollution (VII), In Re [Forum, Prevention of Environmental & Sound Pollution]. Vs.
Union of India and another: (2005) 8 SCC 796, particularly in relation to use of loudspeakers
vis-a-vis 2000 Rules. The Court held that Noise Rules have been framed in exercise of statutory
powers and they cannot be held to be unreasonable.

23. Thus, the ratio of these judgments leave no room for doubt that use of loudspeakers by any
community indiscriminately, is impermissible and is subject to law and of the land with regard to
which reasonable restrictions have been imposed under the aforesaid Rules. Its execution,
therefore, is to be carried out till any Rule is framed subject to any other requirement of
administration including enforcement of public law and order.

24. At the same time, such prohibition should not be clamped merely because of dislike by one
particular community. If the permission is allowed to one, then it is allowed to the other but within
the limits of law as indicated above.

25. We, therefore, dispose of this writ petition leaving it open to the petitioner to approach the
competent authority under the Rules seeking permission for the use of loudspeaker as claimed,
which can be considered if permissible and to the extent as indicated under the 2000 Rules and not
otherwise. If the petitioner chooses to make such an application, the same shall be dealt with
promptly keeping in view the law referred to hereinabove as also any other law or Government
order which can be required to be considered for the purpose of entertaining such application and
passing the order without prejudice to the rights of any particular community subject to maintaining
law and order.

26. The writ petition is disposed of with the said directions.
--------
ORIGINAL JURISDICTION
CIVIL SIDE
DATED: LUCKNOW 08.04.2016

BEFORE

 THE HON'BLE AMRESHWAR PRATAP SAHI, J.
THE HON'BLE ATTAU RAHMAN MASOODI, J.

Misc. Bench No.- 6759 Of 2016

Asok Pande ...Petitioner
Versus
Sri Azam Khan & Ors. ...Respondents

Counsel for the Petitioner:
 Asok Pande (In Person)
1090 INDIAN LAW REPORTS ALLAHABAD SERIES

Counsel for the Respondents:
C.S.C.,A.S.G.,Abhinav N. Trivedi

Writ of Quo Warranto - Removal of Cabinet Minister - Alleged loss of pleasure of Governor -
Remarks made inside Legislative Assembly - Doctrine of Pleasure under Articles 163 & 164 -
Judicial Review - Political Question - Privilege of Legislature under Articles 194 & 212 - Nonjusticiability - Petition dismissed.

Quo Warranto - Scope - A writ of quo warranto lies to test eligibility or statutory/constitutional
disqualification of a public office holder - It cannot be invoked on the basis of alleged impropriety,
displeasure, or political disagreement unless a clear constitutional or statutory bar is demonstrated.

Doctrine of Pleasure - Articles 163 & 164 - Ministers hold office "during the pleasure of the Governor"
under Article 164(1), but such pleasure is exercised in consonance with the advice of the Chief Minister -
Appointment and removal of a Minister is primarily a constitutional and political function - Court cannot
compel removal of a Minister merely on the basis of an alleged expression of displeasure by the Governor.

Alleged Loss of Pleasure - Not Established - Communication by the Governor expressing displeasure
regarding remarks made by a Minister in the House does not ipso facto amount to formal withdrawal of
pleasure under Article 164 - No statutory disqualification shown - Hence no ground for quo warranto.

Legislative Privilege and Immunity -
Article 194 guarantees freedom of speech in Legislature and immunity from court proceedings for statements
made therein.
Article 212 bars courts from inquiring into proceedings of the Legislature on grounds of procedural irregularity.
Remarks made inside the House, even if subsequently expunged by the Speaker, are protected proceedings
beyond judicial scrutiny.

Expunction by Speaker - Once objectionable remarks are expunged under the authority of the Speaker in
exercise of powers under Articles 208 and 210 read with Rules of Procedure, the matter remains within
legislative domain and cannot be re-opened in writ jurisdiction.

Political Question Doctrine - Relationship between Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers is
governed by constitutional conventions and democratic accountability - Courts cannot act as arbiters in interinstitutional political disagreements unless constitutional breakdown or illegality is demonstrated.

Constitutional Morality and Trust - Though Courts may legitimately expect high standards of propriety
and restraint from constitutional functionaries, such expectations do not translate into enforceable judicial
directions in absence of constitutional violation.

No Mandamus Issuable - Court cannot issue mandamus to the Chief Minister to remove a Minister nor
treat Governor's displeasure as binding command - Matter lies within constitutional framework and political
wisdom of the executive.

Held:

Alleged objectionable remarks made by a Cabinet Minister inside the Legislative Assembly and an expression
of displeasure by the Governor do not constitute a constitutional or statutory disqualification warranting
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1091
issuance of a writ of quo warranto. The matter being non-justiciable and falling within the domain of
constitutional convention and political discretion, no interference under Article 226 is warranted.

Writ petition dismissed/consigned to records.

Case Listed:-

Rajendra Prasad Baudh versus State of U.P. And others, Writ Petition No.11331 (MB) of 2015
Manoj Narula versus Union of India and others [(2014) 9 SCC 1]
B.P. Singhal versus Union of India and another [(2010) 6 SCC 331]

(Delivered by Hon'ble Amreshwar Pratap Sahi, J.
&
Hon'ble Attau Rahman Masoodi, J.)

1. The communication between His Excellency the Governor, the Speaker of the State
Legislative Assembly, it's newspaper reporting correlating it to the contents of words spoken by a
Cabinet Minister of the State placed in this petition as the first respondent, and the expectations of
the petitioner from the Chief Minister of the State to honour the express opinion of the Governor is
the basis of this exercise in the writ jurisdiction, praying for a quo warranto through a judicial
review under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. Reliefs ancillary to the same for removal of
the 1st respondent from the Council of Ministers of the present government, have also been prayed
for on the ground that the Governor has expressed displeasure on the conduct of the Minister
describing him as unworthy of occupying the office held by him and incapable of discharging his
duties.

2. The petitioner has appeared in person and has urged that the respondent No.1 does not
deserve to continue as a Cabinet Minister of the present Government of U.P. for having lost the
pleasure of the Governor as per his opinion on account of the reported incidents, where the
concerned Minister appears to have hurled accusations against the Governor for stalling several
bills moved by the Legislature by not giving his assent, as if the Governor was working under some
political influence. A reference has been made in particular to the Nagar Nigam bill 2015 which is
the department of the respondent No.1 as Minister In-charge.

3. The petitioner's contention is that the remarks that were made by the Minister against the
Governor came to be widely reported in newspapers whereupon the Governor had requested the
Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha to provide him the edited and the unedited copies of the audio and
video Compact Discs (CDs) of the statement of the concerned Minister, and on going through the
same, the Governor found it to be highly objectionable. It is also alleged in the petition that the
Speaker had expunged about 1/3rd of the contents of the speech of the Minister delivered inside the
house and on coming to know the said facts, the Governor proceeded to write a letter to the Speaker
of the Assembly raising a question mark on the capability of the Minister to function in that
capacity as the language of the Minister was not favourable to the dignity and tradition of the
House.
1092 INDIAN LAW REPORTS ALLAHABAD SERIES

4. It is also alleged that the said letter was sent to the Chief Minister of the State and by raising
a doubt about the questionable conduct of the Minister, the Governor has withdrawn his pleasure of
appointing him as a Minister in the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister. According
to Article 163 of the Constitution, the Governor has a discretion in this matter and as per Article
164 of the Constitution, it is the pleasure of the Governor and not the pleasure of the Chief Minister
to continue the Minister in office.

5. Sri Pande therefore submits that once the Minister has lost the confidence of the Governor
and the pleasure stands withdrawn, the Minister cannot hold office any further. In spite of this, he
has not been removed and therefore a writ of quo warranto should be issued calling upon the
Minister to explain as to under what authority of law he continues to occupy the office of the
Minister, and why he should not be treated as disqualified to hold the post upon having lost the
pleasure of the Governor of the State.

6. Sri Pande has vehemently urged that this objectionable unparliamentary style of passing
remarks adversely against the constitutional authority of the Governor who appoints Ministers,
calls for an immediate action for the discontinuance of such a Minister as this conduct is not
expected of him. The Chief Minister having not acted accordingly has also violated the
constitutional norms in spite of having full knowledge of the insults that were cast on the Governor.

7. The petition has been vehemently opposed on behalf of the State of U.P./respondent Nos.2,
3 and 4 by the learned Advocate General Mr. Vijai Bahadur Singh and learned Additional Advocate
General Ms. Bulbul Godiyal assisted by Mr. H. P. Srivastava, learned Additional Chief Standing
Counsel.

8. Ms. Ranjana Agnihotri has filed her appearance on behalf of the Union of India.

9. The learned Advocate General submits that the proceedings inside the House are privileged
proceedings and any statement made inside the house cannot be a subject matter of judicial
scrutiny, more so the admitted position is that the Speaker himself has exercised his authority to
expunge any such objectionable remarks that were not desirable to be maintained on the record of
the House. He contends that once the remarks are off the record, nothing remains and as urged
earlier, would not give any cause so as to seek a judicial review through a writ petition. He further
submits that the doctrine of pleasure has not been correctly appreciated by the petitioner which is
contrary to what has been interpreted by the Apex Court in several decisions that have been noticed
by a Division Bench of this Court in the case of Rajendra Prasad Baudh versus State of U.P. And
others, Writ Petition No.11331 (MB) of 2015 decided on 22.01.2016 relying on the Apex Court
decisions in this regard including the latest decision in the case of Manoj Narula versus Union of
India and others [(2014) 9 SCC 1]. The discretion therefore to appoint or continue a Minister is
clearly protected which is eminently a political question beyond judicial reviewability. He has
invited the attention of the Court to the decision of the Apex Court in the case of B.P. Singhal
versus Union of India and another [(2010) 6 SCC 331] to urge that so far as appointment of a
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1093
Minister is concerned, the Court will not act as an appellate authority nor has the constitution
allowed invoking of such powers in a case like the present one.

10. Articles 163 and 164 of the Constitution provide that there shall be a Council of Ministers
with the Chief Minister to aid and advice the Governor but the appointment of a Minister would be
governed by Section 164 (1) which reads as follows:-

"164. Other provisions as to Ministers. -- (1) The Chief Minister shall be appointed by
the Governor and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief
Minster, and the Ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor:

Provided that in the States of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa, there shall be a
Minister in charge of tribal welfare who may in addition be in charge of the welfare of the
Scheduled Castes and backward classes or any other work."

11. Thus, a Minister can be appointed by the Governor only on the advice of the Chief
Minister and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor which has to be read in
consonance with the advice of the Chief Minister. The question is can the Governor straightaway
dismiss the Minister or his opinion expressed, as in the present case, would amount to withdrawal
of pleasure that has to necessarily result in the removal of the Minister? A perusal of the said
provisions and the decisions which have been cited at the Bar leave the legal position no longer res
integra, but since the issue has been raised, we proceed to answer the question in the light of the
settled position of law.

12. In the case of B.P. Singhal (supra), this issue was referred to in paragraph - 26 thereof
which is extracted hereunder:-

"26. The Constitution refers to offices held during the pleasure of the President (without
restrictions), offices held during the pleasure of the President (with restrictions) and also
appointments to which the said doctrine is not applicable. The articles in the Constitution of India
which refer to the holding of office during the pleasure of the President without any restrictions
or limitations are Article 75(2) relating to Ministers, Article 76 (4) relating to the Attorney General
and Article 156(1) relating to Governors. Similarly Articles 164(1) and 165(3) provides that the
Ministers (in the States) and Advocate General for the State shall hold office during the pleasure
of the Governor."

13. The Court then went on to pose this question in paragraphs 30 and 31 thereof as follows:-

"30. The Constitution of India also refers to other offices whose holders do not hold office
during the pleasure of the President or any other authority. They are: the President under Article
56; Judges of the Supreme Court under Article 124; the Comptroller and Auditor General of India
under Article 148; High Court Judges under Article 218; and Election Commissioners under
1094 INDIAN LAW REPORTS ALLAHABAD SERIES
Article 324 of the Constitution of India. In the case of these constitutional functionaries, it is
specifically provided that they shall not be removed from office except by impeachment, as provided
in the respective provisions."

"31. The Constitution of India thus provides for three different types of tenure: (i) those
who hold office during the pleasure of the President (or the Governor); (ii) those who hold office
during the pleasure of the President (or the Governor), subject to restrictions; (iii) those who hold
office for specified terms with immunity against removal, except by impeachment, who are not
subject to the doctrine of pleasure."

14. The Court then referred to the Constituent Assembly Debates in paragraph - 32 as
follows:-

"32. The Constituent Assembly Debates clearly show that after elaborate discussions,
varying levels of protection against removal were adopted in relation to different kinds of offices.
We may conveniently enumerate them: (i) Offices to which the doctrine of pleasure applied
absolutely without any restrictions (Ministers, Governors, Attorney General and Advocate
General); (ii) Offices to which the doctrine of pleasure applied with restrictions (Members of
defence services, Members of civil services of the Union, Member of an All India service, holders of
posts connected with defence or any civil post under the Union, Member of a civil service of a State
and holders of civil posts under the State); and (iii) Offices to which the doctrine of pleasure does
not apply at all (President, Judges of Supreme Court, the Comptroller and Auditor General of
India, Judges of the High Court, and Election Commissioners). Having regard to the constitutional
scheme, it is not possible to mix up or extend the type of protection against removal, granted to one
category of offices, to another category."

15. The power of judicial reviewability was explained in paragraph - 80 as follows:-

"80. The extent and depth of judicial review will depend upon and vary with reference to
the matter under review. As observed by Lord Steyn in Daly, in law, context is everything, and
intensity of review will depend on the subject-matter of review. For example, judicial review is
permissible in regard to administrative action, legislations and constitutional amendments. But the
extent or scope of judicial review for one will be different from the scope of judicial review for the
other. Mala fides may be a ground for judicial review of administrative action but is not a ground
for judicial review of legislations or constitutional amendments. For withdrawal of pleasure in the
case of a Minister or an Attorney General, loss of confidence may be a relevant ground. The
ideology of the Minister or Attorney General being out of sync with the policies or ideologies of the
Government may also be a ground. On the other hand, for withdrawal of pleasure in the case of a
Governor, loss of confidence or the Governor's views being out of sync with that the Union
Government will not be grounds for withdrawal of the pleasure. The reasons for withdrawal are
wider in the case of Ministers and Attorney General, when compared to Governors. As a result, the
judicial review of withdrawal of pleasure, is limited in the case of a Governor whereas virtually
nil in the case of a Minister or an Attorney General."
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1095

16. The concluding sentence of paragraph - 80 therefore still holds the field and the judicial
reviewability being unavailable, a Mandamus, as prayed for, cannot be granted.

17. It is not established that any statutory disqualification has been incurred in the shape of an
alleged displeasure expressed by the Governor in his communication to the Speaker and the Chief
Minister that should be treated sufficient enough so as to cause removal of respondent No.1 from
the Council of Ministers. This form of displeasure does not fall within the scope of judicial review
by us as indicated above and consequently, the relief as prayed for to that extent cannot be granted.

18. The contention of the petitioner on the issue of certain sentences and remarks having been
expunged by the Speaker in relation to the proceedings within the House is subject to constitutional
limitations. Article 212 is extracted hereunder:-

"212. Courts not to inquire into proceedings of the Legislature.-

 (1) The validity of any proceedings in the Legislature of a State shall not be called in
question on the ground of any alleged irregularity of procedure.

 (2) No officer or member of the Legislature of a State in whom powers are vested by or
under this Constitution for regulating procedure or the conduct of business, or for maintaining
order, in the Legislature shall be subject to the jurisdiction of any court in respect of the exercise by
him of those powers."

19. Sri Pande submits that the pleasure of the Governor and the advice of the Chief Minister
are two different things. The pleasure of the Governor cannot be equated as the pleasure of the
Chief
Minister.

20. The advice of the Chief Minister comes at the time of appointment of a Minister as per
Article 164 (1) of the Constitution of India. He can further advice the Governor for removal of his
Minister which is also governed by the same provision. The question of issuing a direction to the
Chief Minister to comply with the displeasure of the Governor has to be read in the light of
constitutional provisions. Article 167 of the Constitution defines the duties of the Chief Minister
vis-a-vis his obligations towards the Governor which is extracted hereunder:-

"167. Duties of Chief Minister as respects the furnishing of information to Governor,
etc.- It shall be the duty of the Chief Minister of each State -

(a) to communicate to the Governor of the State all decisions of the Council of Ministers
relating to the administration of the affairs of the State and proposals for legislation;
1096 INDIAN LAW REPORTS ALLAHABAD SERIES

 (b) to furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the State
and proposals for legislation as the Governor may call for; and

 (c) if the Governor so requires, to submit for the consideration of the Council of
Ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a Minister but which has not
been considered by the Council."

21. The Governor therefore in the matter of appointment of a Minister and his continuance
would be subject to the aforesaid constitutional provisions and in our view, a perusal of the same
cannot raise a presumption for exercise of powers of judicial review in a matter like this to issue a
Mandamus as prayed for to execute the displeasure of the Governor. The advice of the Chief
Minister would be binding for appointment of a Minister subject only to constitutional or statutory
limitations if any but not only on a dissatisfaction or displeasure of the Governor. Such limitations
however are to be understood by the Chief Minister in all dimensions of propriety as explained by
the apex court in the case of Manoj Narula (supra) while discussing the issue of constitutional trust
reposed in a Prime Minister or a Chief Minister as the case may be.

22. The discretion of choice and opinion of the Chief Minister about a Minister of his Cabinet
is founded on an unfathomable trust reposed in him. It is thus the true conscience and measured
assessment of the Chief Minister that combines itself with the pleasure of the Governor in a unique
reflection of a democratic procedure that is expected under the Constitution to be executed to the
utmost faith of the people who have entrusted their own governance in the hands of these
constitutional authorities. Thus a Chief Minister has to respect this trustworthiness by being
responsive and not indifferent even if a judicial mandate may not control such a peculiar situation.
The law is yet to develop on that score but the custom and propriety to be maintained in a dignified
way is not unknown in political circles.

23. At this stage, it would be appropriate to refer to the observations made in the case of
Manoj Narula (supra) where the Apex Court was considering the issue of disqualifications being
read in reference to the inclusion of Ministers in the Cabinet of a democratically elected Central or
provincial Government who might be involved in criminal cases. The Apex Court came to the
conclusion that a disqualification cannot be added in Article 75 (1), but it can be legitimately
expected that the Prime Minister would consider not choosing a person with criminal antecedents
against which charges have been framed for heinous or serious criminal offences or charges of
corruption to become a Minister of the Council of Ministers. The exact words used in the
concluding paragraph of the majority judgment, namely, paragraph - 100 are extracted hereunder:-

"100. Thus, while interpreting Article 75(1), definitely a disqualification cannot be added.
However, it can always be legitimately expected, regard being had to the role of a Minister in the
Council of Ministers and keeping in view the sanctity of oath he takes, the Prime Minister, while
living up to the trust reposed in him, would consider not choosing a person with criminal
antecedents against whom charges have been framed for heinous or serious criminal offences or
charges of corruption to become a Minister of the Council of Ministers. This is what the
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1097
Constitution suggests and that is the constitutional expectation from the Prime Minister. Rest has to
be left to the wisdom of the Prime Minister. We say nothing more, nothing less."

24. The judgment in paragraph - 101 made it applicable to the States as well in the following
words:-

"101. At this stage, we must hasten to add what we have said for the Prime Minister is
wholly applicable to the Chief Minister, regard being had to the language employed in Article 164
(1) of the Constitution of India."

25. The Court considered the issues of constitutional morality, good governance and
constitutional trust to arrive at the aforesaid conclusions.

26. This being the constitutional position, we find no reason to assume the loss of pleasure of
the Governor and issue a Writ of Quo Warranto against the first respondent on the facts as disclosed
in the present writ petition. There is also no reason to draw an inference that the remarks which
were expunged by the Speaker of the House should be construed to be a ground to treat it against
the Governor particularly such remarks which have already been expunged to the extent as stated in
the petition.

27. Having said so, there is one thing which deserves to be emphasized, namely, the issue of
parliamentary vis-a-vis unparliamentary and vocal use of language either within or outside the
Legislature. The Ministers have a right to speak in the Houses of Legislatures which is governed by
Article 177 of the Constitution of India. The powers, privileges of the House of Legislatures and of
the members and committees thereof are clearly protected under Article 194 of the Constitution.
The rules of procedure generally are governed by Article 208 of the Constitution of India and
ultimately, the language to be used in the Legislature is governed by Article 210 of the Constitution
of India.

28. Parliamentary language denotes the kind which alone would be tolerated or permitted in
the assembly, and, colloquially, has come to mean civil or polite speech, it's opposite obscene
language being described as unparliamentary. Exchange of views in an assembly are underlined
with wit, humour, logic, pleasantries and courtesies. At times, there are sweet stabs and rarely brute
language is also employed. It is for this reason that the Speaker of the Assembly under the rules
enjoys powers for expunging unwanted remarks. Members at times also pour out the abundance of
their heart and tackle questions with the logic of their mind. While doing so, it also happens that
speech is casually delivered with little awareness about its impact or significance. Symptoms of
immaturity take over modesty of language in a mood of rhetoric. Even slogans are raised and the
choice of words travel beyond a measured phrase. At times, in order to capture the mind of the
listener, the language is tailored to incite, intimidate or even exhort an opinion. It is here that one
can remember that silence and modesty are also very valuable qualities in the art of conversation.
The reason is that speech is the image of life and what we speak is a picture window of our opinion,
even though an individual at times thinks otherwise and speaks something else. "Language
1098 INDIAN LAW REPORTS ALLAHABAD SERIES
embodies the morals of an evolving society and the linguistic history, in the last analysis, is the
cultural history of an institution."

29. Freedom of thought gets translated into free speech through an expression what is called
language. Human civilization has given shape to language in various forms but most prominently
through voice and words. With social and cultural refinement came intellectual contribution that
has made language grow in all dimensions, complex and rich, fluent and crisp, understandable and
communicable and has a different status of expression at varying occasions. It's proper use
therefore is governed by multifarious factors. This has with customary usage developed into a selfordained discipline of language used subject-wise and appropriately tailored guided by the choice
of occasion. To illustrate, a language of words used for a welcome has come to be distinguished
from that used for an obituary or a casual street language from that of a formal speech. Language is
strongly guided by thoughts and moods. Words spoken in anger are different from that of
intellectual dialogue or debate. Even an anguish can be expressed intelligently and can be hard
hitting without obscenity. There are many emotional moods that are conveyed by only outward
bodily expressions without use of words. Dance performs and the strict face with bulging eyes of a
School Headmaster, the affectionate jerk of a loving mother towards her child and the silent
gestures of the head of a monastery towards an erring monk or nun are just illustrations of the
same. This training of language to be used is an outcome of one's company or society in which one
moves and is greatly influenced by what one keeps on hearing. This can be equally true when one
listens devotedly to a religious discourse or a political or philosophical lecture.

30. The sum and substance is that in a civilized society language should be employed that
inculcates a discipline of behaviour which generates faith in people about their own achievements.
For example, if a political leader with his erudite knowledge and powerful oratory moves
civilization for the good, then the people who acknowledge such a person also take pride in
themselves that they have a good leader. Such is the ideal and importance of language and its use in
the Assembly or outside it that is no exception to the above explained principles.

31. This language causes concern, as in the present context, when a conflict of opinion arises.
Thus the cause of use of language on a difference of reasoning does happen but that itself may not
be a justification for use of indiscreet and intemperate language followed by a war of words that
ultimately gets converted into a politically tainted conflict between two constitutional authorities.
An impasse on account of opinions and differences do occur in governance, particularly in a
democracy and in this situation the obligation and responsibility of such authorities becomes
greater for resolving it at the earliest. Any personal ideology or obstinacy has to be overcome
through a mechanism that restores faith in the system. The Court cannot be an arbiter but as a
guardian of the Constitution it is expected by the Courts that a situation for compulsive judicial
intervention, when there is a failure of constitutional functioning or a crisis, is avoided unless it is
imperative and also permissible.

32. The petitioner insisted that this Court should call for a counter affidavit and investigate
into the facts as also the contents of the communications that have given raise to this controversy
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1099
for the purpose of construing as to whether the displeasure expressed by the Governor amounts to
withdrawl of a Minister or not but the question being a pure question of law was considered on the
basis of oral arguments.

A. R. Masoodi, J.

33. I agree. I have had the privilege of going through the judgment rendered by my esteemed
brother Justice A. P. Sahi and on principle, I fully agree with the conclusion drawn. I, however,
wish to put on record my point of view as under:-

34. The pleadings on record reveal that a sitting Cabinet Minister is alleged to have made
some unworthy remarks against his Excellency the Governor of Uttar Pradesh during legislative
proceedings on a Nagar Nigam Bill 2015 of which the unedited CD recording was called for and
the objectionable part on being pointed out, was allegedly deleted by the Speaker of the Legislative
Assembly. A note of displeasure is also said to have been sent to the Speaker by his Excellency the
Governor. The petitioner contends that the note of displeasure is a sufficient indicator of loss of
trust in the Minister who holds office at the pleasure of the Governor, therefore, the letter is binding
on the Speaker and Chief Minister to discontinue the said Minister from his office by complying
with the mandate of Article 164 of the Constitution of India.

35. Admittedly, the objectionable remarks have come to be made during legislative
proceedings therefore, it is to be understood as to what is the extent of freedom of speech during
the legislative proceedings on a bill tabled before the House.

36. The newspaper reporting of an objectionable speech made by a sitting Cabinet Minister in
the legislative proceedings being deleted by the speaker on an objection raised by the Governor of
Uttar Pradesh as unworthy and a further communication in this regard to the Speaker of State
Legislative Assembly has given rise to the present writ petition seeking a writ of quo warranto
questioning the continuance of the said Cabinet Minister arrayed as respondent No.1 for having lost
the pleasure of the Governor. Consequently, a prayer for his removal is made by seeking a writ of
mandamus to the constitutional functionaries for the purpose.

37. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right by virtue of Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution
of India, however, a right guaranteed as fundamental is not unfettered. Libel and slender are widely
understood restrictions which can give rise to actionable claims civil as well as criminal against a
person who is found guilty of having exceeded his right of freedom of speech. Undermining the
security of State is yet another area which empowers the State to impose restrictions. The situation
in the legislative proceedings stands protected by virtue of Article 194 of the Constitution of India
which reads as under:-

"194. Powers, privileges, etc., of the House of Legislatures and of the members and
committees thereof - (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and to the rules and standing
1100 INDIAN LAW REPORTS ALLAHABAD SERIES
orders regulating the procedure of the Legislature, there shall be freedom of speech in the
Legislature of every State.

(2) No member of the Legislature of a State shall be liable to any proceedings in any
court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in the Legislature or any committee
thereof, and no person shall be so liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of a
House of such a Legislature of any report, paper, votes or proceedings

 (3) In other respects, the powers, privileges and immunities of a House of the Legislature
of a State, and of the members and the committees of a House of such Legislature, shall be such as
may from time to time be defined by the Legislature by law, and, until so defined, shall be those of
that House and of its members and committees immediately before the coming into force of section
26 of the Constitution Forty-fourth Amendment Act, 1978.

 (4) The provisions of clauses (1), (2) and (3) shall apply in relation to persons who by
virtue of this Constitution have the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the proceedings
of a House of, the Legislature of a State or any committee thereof as they apply in relation to
members of that Legislature."

38. Once freedom of speech is subject to the provisions of the Constitution and to the rules and standing
orders regulating the procedure of legislature, it cannot be said that an unworthy remark of a person during
legislative proceedings is altogether immune from any action being brought about on the ground of its being
unconstitutional or violative of rules or standing orders before the appropriate forum. The position in the
present case, however, is different and gives rise to a peculiar situation when the Governor himself against
whom the alleged unworthy remarks are made is alleged to have written a note of displeasure which itself
may be subject to the doctrine of necessity. The larger question is whether in such a situation, a note of
displeasure expressed by His Excellency the Governor of Uttar Pradesh can at all be a basis for taking action
treating it to be binding on the Speaker or for that matter whether it would be binding on the Chief Minister to
alter his choice about the continuity of a Minister. On the aspect of freedom of speech in the legislative
proceedings, reference may be made to the apex court judgment reported in (2010) 6 SCC 113. It is to be
noted that our Constitution does not give unfettered powers to any organ of the State and all the three organs
are expected to work in harmony with each other so as to promote the essence of separation of powers that
may ensure independence of each one of the organs of the State. The freedom of speech of a legislative
member by virtue of Article 194 (1) of the Constitution is undoubtedly subject to the provisions of the
Constitution and to the rules and standing orders regulating the procedure of the legislature but Article 194
(2) guarantees a privilege to the members of State legislature in respect of freedom of speech and voting and
the exercise of any such right is excluded to be questioned in any court in respect of anything said or any vote
given, in the legislative proceedings or any committee thereof. The protection extends even to the extent of
any report, paper, votes or proceedings published by or under the authority of the House.

39. Once an act during the course of legislative proceedings is immune of being challenged before any
Court, it is difficult for me to accept the contention of the petitioner that the letter sent by His Excellency the
Governor to the Speaker be treated to be a decisive basis for taking action against the continuance of a
4 All. Mohd. Junaid Ajaz & Ors. Vs Union Of India & Ors.

1101
Minister on that ground alone but is to be left to constitutional functionaries to resolve the issue which is
beyond the scope of judicial review. The Governor of a State for exercise of any executive power is to act
with the aid and advice of the council of Ministers. I may extract one sentence from para 88 of the judgment
referred to above which recites the observations made by M.H. Beg, J. (as His Lordship then was) to make
out the point.

"Neither of the three constitutionally separate organs of State can, according to the basic scheme
of our Constitution today, leap outside the boundaries of its own constitutionally assigned sphere or orbit of
authority into that of the other."

40. In yet another judgment reported in AIR 1950 SC 124, in para 12, the apex court while dealing with
the legislative competence of State has held as under:-

"We are therefore of opinion that unless a law restricting freedom of speech and expression is
directed solely against the undermining of the security of the State or the overthrow of it, such law cannot fall
within the reservation under clause (2) of Article 19, although the restrictions which it seeks to impose may
have been conceived generally in the interests of public order. ..."

41. The executive power of the State, therefore, is subject to all such limitations which are binding on
other organs of the State.

42.