Pre-emptive measure taken by State against legal challenges to minister’s new role as Chairman in HPL

03-Apr-12

The Bengal government granted immunity to MLAs who become chairpersons or directors of companies. This move is viewed by many as a pre-emptive measure against legal challenges to industries minister Partha Chatterjee’s new role in Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL). Through an amendment bill passed on the last day of the budget session, the state government has removed the post of a company chairperson or director from the list of offices of profit. Elected members are not allowed to hold offices of profit. HPL’s private promoter, The Chatterjee Group (TCG), has taken the Bengal government to the International Court of Arbitration in Paris over the ownership issue.