Review of CoNI report is in violation of the constitution: AG

Attorney General Azima Shukoor has stated that the Government Evaluation Committee of the Peoples’ Majlis is reviewing and investigating the report of the Commission of National Inquiry, CoNI, in violation of the constitution and the rules of procedure of the Majlis.

Azima made this remark in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Peoples’ Majlis Abdullah Shahid.

State Attorney General Azima said that the committees of the Majlis have no authority to make decisions on the report when the Majlis failed to decide on the report in the Majlis floor when it was sent to the Speaker and four committees of the Majlis.

Azima said that the committees that the government sent the report do not have the authority to take action regarding the report outside their constitutional responsibility.

The Attorney General also noted that according to the article 99 of the constitution, the People’s Majlis or any of its committees has the power to summon any person to appear before it to give evidence under oath, or to produce documents. She said that the constitution does state that any person who is questioned by the People’s Majlis as provided for shall answer to the best of his knowledge and ability; require any person or institution to report to it; receive petitions, representations or submissions from interested persons or institutions.

However, Azima noted that the current actions of the Government Evaluation Committee is outside the limits provided in the constitution and therefore is in violation of it.

She said that according to article 133 (b) of the constitution it is her duty as the Attorney General to advise the Government on all legal matters affecting the State and her duties include performance of all legal duties pertaining to her office, and discharge of all responsibilities required to be discharged by the Attorney General, by the Constitution and by law.