HC Deb 15 August 1916 vol 85 cc1783-4

(1) In Section sixty-three of the Government of India Act, 1915 (in this Act referred to as "the principal Act"), shall be inserted the following Sub-section:

"(6A) Rules made under this Section may provide for the final decision of doubts or disputes as to the validity of an election.

(6B) Subject to any rules made under this Section, any person who is a ruler or subject of any state in India shall be eligible to be nominated a member of a legislative council."

(2) In Sections seventy-four and seventy-six of the principal Act corresponding Sub-sections shall be inserted, and shall be numbered (4A) and (4B) in Section seventy-four and (3A) and (3B) in Section seventy-six.

(3) This Section shall apply to and shall validate rules and nominations made as well before as after the commencement of this Act.

Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Sir H. DALZIEL

Does this Bill deal with a case that has actually arisen?

Mr. CHARLES ROBERTS (Comptroller of the Household)

This is a Bill to deal with certain doubts which arose when the Consolidation Act was passed last year. The existing provisions of that Act probably do already provide for the possibility of electing a ruler or subject of any State of India to the Legislative Council. A doubt was expressed about it. There have been several instances in which the power has already been utilised, and this Clause legalises what is already the practice.

Question put, and agreed to.

Clauses 2, 3, 4, and 5 ordered to stand part of the Bill.