New Delhi: The controversial Office of Profit Bill, which would help save the membership of over 40 members including some Union Ministers, was passed by the Rajya Sabha onThursday despite stiff resistance from the BJP and other NDA partners.
The Bill, sent for reconsideration by President APJ Abdul Kalam on May 30, weeks after it was passed by Parliament, was approved with 98 voting in favour and 49 against.
The government also assured that it was ready to constitute a committee to consider the office of profit issue in detail.
The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Amendment Bill, 2006, which seeks to exempt about 56 posts, also saw an amendment moved by Trinamool Congress member Dinesh Trivedi being negatived with 53 for and 97 against.
The Bill, earlier passed in May, had led to a major political controversy with Congress President Sonia Gandhi being targeted by the Opposition leading to her quitting Lok Sabha and seeking re-election.
Jaya Bachchan, whose disqualification earlier this year on the Office of Profit Issue, triggered the controversy was back in the House this week after being re-elected. The Bill was piloted by Law Minister HR Bharadwaj.
Replying to the debate, Bharadwaj said there was no question of "defying" the President and Parliament looked forward to his observations for guidance. The Minister said in democracy, Parliament could not be bypassed.
"The President is a father figure. We are always keen to have his guidance," he said adding his emphasis on probity in public life and upholding respect for institutions of democracy would always be respected.
The Minister said there were certain issues which were judicially decided and some powers that were confered on Parliament.
Bharadwaj said the Members of Parliament discharged their duties outside Parliament in their constituencies by supervising the work.
He said Parliament had the power to remove the disqualification clause with retrospective effect.
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