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**mynaflzak** · 06-06-2012, 07:51 PM

The Constitution Court on Wednesday reaffirmed it has not overstepped its authority in accepting petitions against the charter amendment bill and in ordering parliament to temporarily suspend the third reading of the controversial legislation

Vocal criticism of its injunction by the government's supporters prompted the court to call a press conference today, at which all the court's judges were present, to explain its decision.

Court spokesman Pimol Thampithakpong cited Sections 60 and 69 of the constitution to support the court's acceptance of the petitions for examination.

Mr Pimol said under the two sections anyone who knows of an act to exercise the rights and liberties prescribed in the constitution to overthrow the government under the constitutional monarchy, or to acquire the power to rule the country by any means not allowed by the constitution, can submit a petition through two channels - the Office of the Attorney General and the Constitution Court.

Court president Wasan Soypisuth said the court had only accepted the petitions for examination. A month's delay in the deliberation of the bill would not cause any damage, he said.

On the claims the court might have acted beyond its authority, Mr Wasan said the entire bench of judges were well aware they cannot do anything more than is allowed by the constitution.

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Deputy court spokesman Somrit Chaiwong said although the court's suspension order would temporarily halt the parliament's handling of the bill, it could also serve to convince the Thai people, and the world community, that the sovereign powers in Thailand are properly balanced.

The court had accepted the petitions for examination. If no ulterior motives were found in the charter amendment motion, the petition would be dismissed and the parliament process could resume, Mr Somrit said.

Government chief whip Udomdej Rattanasathien said earlier on Wednesday that whether the charter amendment bill will be put to the vote in the third reading on Friday is a matter for Parliament President Somsak Kiatsuranont and members of the two chambers to decide.

Mr Udomdej said this after government whips discussed the Constitution Court's order to delay the third reading of the charter amendment bill. A representative of the Council of State was invited to explain whether the order was binding.

He said Parliament President Somsak had already scheduled a joint sitting of parliament for June 8, but the charter amendment bill was not on the meeting agenda.

Members of the two houses would be informed of the charter court's order. The meeting would then debate only proposed frameworks for negotiations with foreign countries under Section 190 of the constitution.

06-06-2012, 07:51 PM	#12
mynaflzak Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 558 Senior Member	The Constitution Court on Wednesday reaffirmed it has not overstepped its authority in accepting petitions against the charter amendment bill and in ordering parliament to temporarily suspend the third reading of the controversial legislation Vocal criticism of its injunction by the government's supporters prompted the court to call a press conference today, at which all the court's judges were present, to explain its decision. Court spokesman Pimol Thampithakpong cited Sections 60 and 69 of the constitution to support the court's acceptance of the petitions for examination. Mr Pimol said under the two sections anyone who knows of an act to exercise the rights and liberties prescribed in the constitution to overthrow the government under the constitutional monarchy, or to acquire the power to rule the country by any means not allowed by the constitution, can submit a petition through two channels - the Office of the Attorney General and the Constitution Court. Court president Wasan Soypisuth said the court had only accepted the petitions for examination. A month's delay in the deliberation of the bill would not cause any damage, he said. On the claims the court might have acted beyond its authority, Mr Wasan said the entire bench of judges were well aware they cannot do anything more than is allowed by the constitution. 395103.jpg Deputy court spokesman Somrit Chaiwong said although the court's suspension order would temporarily halt the parliament's handling of the bill, it could also serve to convince the Thai people, and the world community, that the sovereign powers in Thailand are properly balanced. The court had accepted the petitions for examination. If no ulterior motives were found in the charter amendment motion, the petition would be dismissed and the parliament process could resume, Mr Somrit said. Government chief whip Udomdej Rattanasathien said earlier on Wednesday that whether the charter amendment bill will be put to the vote in the third reading on Friday is a matter for Parliament President Somsak Kiatsuranont and members of the two chambers to decide. Mr Udomdej said this after government whips discussed the Constitution Court's order to delay the third reading of the charter amendment bill. A representative of the Council of State was invited to explain whether the order was binding. He said Parliament President Somsak had already scheduled a joint sitting of parliament for June 8, but the charter amendment bill was not on the meeting agenda. Members of the two houses would be informed of the charter court's order. The meeting would then debate only proposed frameworks for negotiations with foreign countries under Section 190 of the constitution.
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