Outrage Erupts as Assam’s LoP Accuses AG Devajit Lon Saikia of Constitutional Breach with Dual Roles

Debabrata Saikia, Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly, has raised concerns with the Chief Justice of India over the state’s Advocate General, Devajit Lon Saikia, accusing him of constitutional violations. In a letter sent on Thursday, Saikia claims that Devajit Saikia breached his constitutional duties by assuming roles as the acting secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and as a director of the International Cricket Council (ICC), positions he argued are “offices of profit” and thus against legal norms.

While Debabrata Saikia acknowledges the honor of having someone from Assam in such prestigious cricket roles, he insists that these positions come with pecuniary benefits, violating both constitutional duties and rules outlined by the Bar Council of India. According to Saikia, these roles also present a potential conflict with Assam’s laws, particularly given associations with cricket sponsors under investigation for betting.

The letter, also forwarded to the Assam governor, chief minister, chief secretary, and the Bar Council of India chairman, emphasizes the advocate general’s responsibilities to prioritize constitutional obligations above other commitments. Saikia also pointed out a previous instance when Devajit Saikia resigned from an official position to qualify for a cricket association role, suggesting a pattern of conflict.

The Congress leader further questioned the propriety of holding an international fiduciary position in organizations with countries like Pakistan as members, suggesting a potential conflict with national interests. In response, Advocate General Saikia dismissed these allegations, asserting that both BCCI and ICC roles are honorary, not offering profit, and hinted at political biases, noting the presence of Congress figures in cricket administrative roles. Saikia has promised to formally address these accusations at an appropriate time, questioning the accuser’s understanding of ‘office of profit’.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-lop-accuses-states-ag-devajit-lon-saikia-of-violating-constitution-by-taking-up-dual-roles-1141670-2024-12-21?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-12-21 20:10:00