Question

M.M. Punchhi Commission on Centre-State Relations has recommended the disposal of a bill reserved for the consideration of the Union Executive within
1. four months.
2. six months.
3. eight months.
4. five months.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : six months.

The correct answer is six months.

• Madan Mohan Punchhi, better known as M.M. Punchhi was the 28th Chief Justice of India (CJI). He held the office as the CJI for a short period of ten months (January till October) in the year 1998.
• Mr. Punchhi was appointed as the Chairman of the Centre-State Relations Commission in the year 2007 by the Government of India. This Commission dealt with matters involving the Centre-State relations and was popularly known as the Punchhi Commission.
• The Commission dealt with the responsibilities and jurisdiction of the Centre during major outbreaks of caste and communal violence.
• The report of this three-member Commission headed by M.M. Punchhi was submitted in 2010 to the then Home Minister P. Chidambaram.

• some major and notable recommendations of the MM Puncchi Commission Report:
  • Concurrent List subjects: There should be a mechanism whereby the center consults states before introducing a bill on concurrent list items. This consultation mechanism should be through the inter-state council.
  • On President’s Pocket Veto: Once a bill is passed in the legislative assembly and then reserved by the governor for the president’s consideration, President applies pocket veto in several cases. No communication is given to the state which is baffling for states. Thus, there should be a mechanism so that the president communicates his decision in a reasonable time within 6 months.
  • Treaty-Making Power of Union: There is a need for some kind of legislation to regulate the treaty-making power of union executive concerning treaties which have anything to do with the matters listed in the state list. There should be greater involvement of states in such treaties.
  • Appointment and Removal of Governor.
  • Article 355 and 356 should be amended. Via these amendments, the Centre should be enabled to bring specific troubled areas under its rule for a limited period.