CM Gandapur to challenge governor-administered oath of MPAs in court

PESHAWAR (Dunya News) - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has decided to move the court against the oath-taking of MPAs on reserved seats held at Governor’s House.

The chief minister said that the oath-taking in Governor’s House is a blatant violation of the constitution.

In a statement issued on Sunday, CM Gandapur asserted that holding the oath-taking at the Governor’s House contradicts Article 65 of the constitution, which clearly states that the oath must be taken on the assembly floor.

He clarified that the speaker of KP Assembly did not refuse to administer the oath, but the session was adjourned due to the lack of quorum.

Also Read: KP governor administers oath to 25 opposition MPAs ahead of Senate polls

He added that the speaker has summoned the assembly session on July 24, emphasizing that any oath outside the assembly, particularly at the Governor’s House, is unconstitutional.

Gandapur stated that Article 255(2) of the constitution applies only under extraordinary circumstances. If the chief minister and speaker refuse, only then can the chief justice nominate someone to administer the oath.

He added that the oath administered at the Governor’s House was illegal and therefore it would be challenged in the court.

“The petition has been drafted and it will be moved in the Peshawar High Court tomorrow,” Gandapur said.