On Thursday, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction that the new Parliament building be inaugurated by the President of India.
It is argued that the not inviting the President for the ceremony is a humiliation and a violation of the Constitution.
The petitioner also claimed that the Lok Sabha Secretariat broke the law by not inviting the President to the inauguration.
This comes just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the newly constructed Parliament building would be inaugurated on Sunday.
Last Thursday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and invited him to the inauguration of the New Parliament Building.
According to a Lok Sabha release, the New Parliament Building in the national capital has been completed and symbolises the spirit of self-reliance in India.
“As per the current requirements, there was a lack of space in the current building.” “There was also a lack of convenient arrangements for MPs to sit in both Houses, which was affecting the efficiency of the members’ work,” the release stated.
The current Parliament building was completed in 1927, making it nearly 100 years old.
The Centre has invited all current members of both houses of Parliament, as well as ministers, secretaries, chief ministers, and administrators of Union territories.
However, as many as 20 parties have announced their intention to boycott the event, including the Congress, CPI, AAP, and Trinamool Congress.
Opposition parties said in a joint statement, “The inauguration of a new Parliament building is a momentous occasion.” Despite our belief that the government is endangering democracy and our displeasure with the autocratic manner in which the new Parliament was constructed, we were willing to set aside our differences and commemorate this occasion. However, Prime Minister Modi’s decision to inaugurate the new Parliament building without President Murmu is not only a grave insult, but a direct assault on our democracy that requires a commensurate response.”