In the backdrop of hooliganism witnessed today in the Punjab Assembly which was convened to elect new chief minister, PML-Q contender for the CM slot, Ch Pervaiz Elahi has said that as per the constitution, court cannot interfere in the internal affairs of the assembly, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Elahi, who holds the office of Punjab Assembly speaker, was talking to foreign media and election observers on Saturday. He emphasized that it was clearly mentioned in Article 69 of the Constitution that court could not interfere in the assembly’s proceedings, rules and procedure. And Article 69 bars Parliament from discussing decisions of judges, he added.

He said scuffle started when policemen slapped some assembly members. He said the assembly could award three-month long punishment to IG police. 

He reiterated that it was not the jurisdiction of court to decide what should be done in assembly and what should not be done.

Elahi said he conferred his office’s powers to the deputy speaker because he was contesting the CM election. He said when the deputy speaker abused his powers, he took those powers back. 

He bemoaned that police had never been able to set their foot in assembly since the creation of Pakistan. He lamented that policemen slapped assembly members. He said it was an illegal act on the part of police to enter the assembly building. 

Elahi disclosed that all house members had submitted privilege motion against police which he had already taken up.