Post by Akbar on Feb 28, 2019 14:05:34 GMT
Under the auspices of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Akbar I, in the attempt to establish a fair society in which all nations can reach their full potential without hindrance and by moderate means of democracy, we hereby establish the Constitution of the Mughal Empire.
The Constitution of the Mughal Empire
Chapter 1
Founding provisions
Article 1
Mugliyah Saltanat
Chapter 1
Founding provisions
Article 1
Mugliyah Saltanat
1) This region shall be known by its official Persian name as Mugliyah Saltanat.
(a) The Mugliyah Saltanat may be known by its name in other languages.
(b) The Mugliyah Saltanat may be known in English as the Mughal Sultanate.
(c) The Mugliyah Saltanat may be known in English as Hindustan.
(d) The Mugliyah Saltanat may be known in English as the Mughal Empire.
(e) The Mugliyah Saltanat may be known in Persian as Gurkani.
(f) The Mugliyah Saltanat may be known in English as the Timurid Empire.
(g) All names prescribed in this Constitution may be used in the Constitution, regional legislation, and other legal documents issued by the state.
2) This, the Mughal Empire, the progenitor of the Diamond Citadel, is one, sovereign, democratic region founded on the following values:
(a) Constitutional monarchy.
(b) Dignity, equality, and the advancement of nation’s rights and freedoms.
(c) Non-racialism and non-sexism.
(d) Supremacy of this Constitution and the rule of law.
(e) Universal national suffrage, a regional common voter’s roll, regular elections and a multi-party system of democratic government under the auspices of the Monarch, to ensure traditional continuity, accountability, responsiveness, and openness.
Supremacy of Constitution
3) This Constitution replaces the earlier Royal Charter of the Diamond Citadel as the supreme law of the Empire. Law or conduct that is inconsistent with it is invalid. The obligations imposed by this Constitution must be fulfilled.
Citizenship
4)
(a) There is a common Hindustani citizenship.
(b) All citizens are equally entitled to the rights, privileges and benefits of citizenship, and, equally subject to the duties and responsibilities of citizenship.
(c) Legislation will furnish the conditions of acquisition, loss, and restoration of citizenship.
National flag and Monarch’s Arms.
5) The national flag of the Empire is a standard of green and red, emblazoned with the national animal, the Indian Lion, set against a golden rising run. The Monarch’s Arms will be those displayed by the Monarch in their palace and signature.
Languages
6) The official language of the Monarchy is English and Persian. Nations may use any particular language for the purposes of national government, taking into account usage, practicality, and balance of needs of the population.
Capital City, Imperial Residence and Centre of Government Business
7) The capital city shall be designated as the historic city of Agra.
8) The Imperial Residence and location of court shall be designated as the fort at Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra.
9) The Centre of Government Business shall be designated as Agra, with the Prime Minister’s Office being located here.
(a) The Mugliyah Saltanat may be known by its name in other languages.
(b) The Mugliyah Saltanat may be known in English as the Mughal Sultanate.
(c) The Mugliyah Saltanat may be known in English as Hindustan.
(d) The Mugliyah Saltanat may be known in English as the Mughal Empire.
(e) The Mugliyah Saltanat may be known in Persian as Gurkani.
(f) The Mugliyah Saltanat may be known in English as the Timurid Empire.
(g) All names prescribed in this Constitution may be used in the Constitution, regional legislation, and other legal documents issued by the state.
2) This, the Mughal Empire, the progenitor of the Diamond Citadel, is one, sovereign, democratic region founded on the following values:
(a) Constitutional monarchy.
(b) Dignity, equality, and the advancement of nation’s rights and freedoms.
(c) Non-racialism and non-sexism.
(d) Supremacy of this Constitution and the rule of law.
(e) Universal national suffrage, a regional common voter’s roll, regular elections and a multi-party system of democratic government under the auspices of the Monarch, to ensure traditional continuity, accountability, responsiveness, and openness.
Supremacy of Constitution
3) This Constitution replaces the earlier Royal Charter of the Diamond Citadel as the supreme law of the Empire. Law or conduct that is inconsistent with it is invalid. The obligations imposed by this Constitution must be fulfilled.
Citizenship
4)
(a) There is a common Hindustani citizenship.
(b) All citizens are equally entitled to the rights, privileges and benefits of citizenship, and, equally subject to the duties and responsibilities of citizenship.
(c) Legislation will furnish the conditions of acquisition, loss, and restoration of citizenship.
National flag and Monarch’s Arms.
5) The national flag of the Empire is a standard of green and red, emblazoned with the national animal, the Indian Lion, set against a golden rising run. The Monarch’s Arms will be those displayed by the Monarch in their palace and signature.
Languages
6) The official language of the Monarchy is English and Persian. Nations may use any particular language for the purposes of national government, taking into account usage, practicality, and balance of needs of the population.
Capital City, Imperial Residence and Centre of Government Business
7) The capital city shall be designated as the historic city of Agra.
8) The Imperial Residence and location of court shall be designated as the fort at Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra.
9) The Centre of Government Business shall be designated as Agra, with the Prime Minister’s Office being located here.
Chapter 2
Bill of Rights
Article 2
Rights
Bill of Rights
Article 2
Rights
1) This Bill of Rights is the cornerstone of democracy in the Empire. Enshrining the rights of all nations in this region, it affirms the values of dignity, equality, and freedom. The government will respect, protect, promote, and fulfil these rights. These rights are subject to the limitations contained anywhere in this Bill.
Application
2) The Bill of Rights applies to all law, binding the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, and all other organs of state.
Protected Rights
3) All nations of the Empire are sovereign. Each nation has the right to self-determination in that nation’s domestic policies, including, but not limited to, issue selection and WA membership.
4) Each nation’s rights to free speech, free press, and the free expression of religion shall not be infringed upon, and shall be encouraged, by the governmental authorities of the region. Each nation has the right to assemble, and to petition the governmental authorities of the region, including the WA Delegate, for the redress of grievances. The governmental authorities of the region shall act only in the best interests of the region, as permitted and limited under the Constitution.
5) Participation in the governmental authorities of the region is voluntary for residents and compulsory for citizens. Participation in the World Assembly shall not be a condition of participation in the governmental authorities of the region.
6) No nation of the Empire holding WA member status in NationStates shall be obligated to endorse any official of a government authority of the region. The right to add an endorsement or withdraw an endorsement is a sovereign right of that nation as a WA member.
7) All nations of the Empire have the right to be protected against the abuse of powers by any official of a government authority of the region. Any nation of the Empire has the right to request the recall of any official of a government authority of the region in accordance with the Constitution, that is deemed to have participated in such acts.
8) No nation shall be held to answer for a crime in a manner not prescribed by the Constitution or the Legal Code. No nation shall be subjected to being twice put in jeopardy for the same offense. No nation shall ever be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against itself.
9) When charged with criminal acts, nations of the Empire shall have a fair, impartial, and public trial before a neutral and impartial judicial officer. In any criminal proceeding, a nation is presumed innocent unless guilt is proven to the fact finder by reasonably certain evidence. A nation may be represented by any counsel of the nation’s choosing. No nation convicted of a crime shall be subject to a punishment disproportionate to that crime.
10) No nation shall be ejected from the region, or banned from any forum, except as expressly authorized by the Constitution or the Legal Code. Should any official of a government authority of the region with authority to act, declare that the immediate ejection or banning of a nation is an urgent matter of regional security they may order the ejection or banning of the nation. Any ejected or banned nation shall have prompt and immediate recourse to judicial review of the matter. The Founder and WA Delegate shall not exercise the power of ejection or banning unless expressly authorized by a specific action of a government authority of the region pursuant to the Constitution or to the Legal Code.
11) Each nation in the Empire is guaranteed the organization and operation of the governmental authorities of the region on fundamental principles of democracy, accountability, and transparency. No action by the governmental authorities of the region shall deny to any nation of the Empire, due process of law, including prior notice and the opportunity to be heard, nor deny to any nation of the Empire the equal and fair treatment and protection of the provisions of the Constitution. No governmental authority shall have power to adopt or impose an ex post facto law or a bill of attainder as to any act for purposes of criminal proceedings.
12) Each nation entitled to a vote in any manner under the fundamental laws of the region is entitled to the equal treatment and protection of that Nation's right to vote.
13) No governmental authority of the region has the power to suspend or disregard the Constitution or the Legal Code. In the event of an actual emergency, the governmental authorities of the region, with the express consent of the nations of the region or their representatives, is authorized to act in any reasonable manner that is consistent as practicable with the pertinent provisions of the Constitution.
14) States of emergency may be declared only by the Prime Minister, subject to Imperial Legislative Council ratification, if it is deemed necessary to preserve the life of the region against war, invasion, general insurrection, disorder, or other public emergency, and if it is necessary to restore peace and order.
15) A declaration of state of emergency, and any legislation enacted or other action taken in consequence of that declaration, may be effective only prospectively, and for no more than 21 days from the date of the declaration, unless the Diwan-i-Aam resolves to extend the declaration, but for no longer than three months following the date of the declaration. The first extension must be adopted by a majority of the House, while subsequent extensions require at least two thirds of the House to adopt it. These extensions may only be adopted following public debate in the House.
16) The validity of a declaration of state of emergency may be decided by any competent court. So too may any extensions, legislation enacted, or other action taken, pursuant to the declaration of state of emergency.
17) Any result of the declaration of state of emergency may only violate the Bill of Rights provided that such a violation is strictly required by the emergency, and if legislation enacted is consistent with the region’s obligations under any treaties, conforms to subsection (d) and is published in the regional news as soon as reasonably possible after being enacted.
18) No declaration of state of emergency may permit indemnifying the government, or any nation, in respect of any unlawful act. Neither may it permit any deviation from this section, or any of the following rights to the extent furnished by their provisions: Article 2; Sections 3, 4, 8, 9, and 13.
19) If a court releases a detainee, that nation may not be detained again on the same grounds unless the government first shows the court good cause for re-detainment.
20) Nations who are not citizens are not subject to the provisions under Section 14. Instead, the government must comply with standards binding the region under any treaties with foreign governments.
21) Any nation listed in this section has the right to approach a competent court, alleging that a right in the Bill of Rights has been threatened or violated. The court may grant appropriate relief to this end.
22) Interpretation of this Bill of Rights by any body must promote the values that are enshrine within this Constitution, must consider foreign treaties, and not deny the existence of any other rights or freedoms that are consistent with this Bill.
Application
2) The Bill of Rights applies to all law, binding the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, and all other organs of state.
Protected Rights
3) All nations of the Empire are sovereign. Each nation has the right to self-determination in that nation’s domestic policies, including, but not limited to, issue selection and WA membership.
4) Each nation’s rights to free speech, free press, and the free expression of religion shall not be infringed upon, and shall be encouraged, by the governmental authorities of the region. Each nation has the right to assemble, and to petition the governmental authorities of the region, including the WA Delegate, for the redress of grievances. The governmental authorities of the region shall act only in the best interests of the region, as permitted and limited under the Constitution.
5) Participation in the governmental authorities of the region is voluntary for residents and compulsory for citizens. Participation in the World Assembly shall not be a condition of participation in the governmental authorities of the region.
6) No nation of the Empire holding WA member status in NationStates shall be obligated to endorse any official of a government authority of the region. The right to add an endorsement or withdraw an endorsement is a sovereign right of that nation as a WA member.
7) All nations of the Empire have the right to be protected against the abuse of powers by any official of a government authority of the region. Any nation of the Empire has the right to request the recall of any official of a government authority of the region in accordance with the Constitution, that is deemed to have participated in such acts.
8) No nation shall be held to answer for a crime in a manner not prescribed by the Constitution or the Legal Code. No nation shall be subjected to being twice put in jeopardy for the same offense. No nation shall ever be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against itself.
9) When charged with criminal acts, nations of the Empire shall have a fair, impartial, and public trial before a neutral and impartial judicial officer. In any criminal proceeding, a nation is presumed innocent unless guilt is proven to the fact finder by reasonably certain evidence. A nation may be represented by any counsel of the nation’s choosing. No nation convicted of a crime shall be subject to a punishment disproportionate to that crime.
10) No nation shall be ejected from the region, or banned from any forum, except as expressly authorized by the Constitution or the Legal Code. Should any official of a government authority of the region with authority to act, declare that the immediate ejection or banning of a nation is an urgent matter of regional security they may order the ejection or banning of the nation. Any ejected or banned nation shall have prompt and immediate recourse to judicial review of the matter. The Founder and WA Delegate shall not exercise the power of ejection or banning unless expressly authorized by a specific action of a government authority of the region pursuant to the Constitution or to the Legal Code.
11) Each nation in the Empire is guaranteed the organization and operation of the governmental authorities of the region on fundamental principles of democracy, accountability, and transparency. No action by the governmental authorities of the region shall deny to any nation of the Empire, due process of law, including prior notice and the opportunity to be heard, nor deny to any nation of the Empire the equal and fair treatment and protection of the provisions of the Constitution. No governmental authority shall have power to adopt or impose an ex post facto law or a bill of attainder as to any act for purposes of criminal proceedings.
12) Each nation entitled to a vote in any manner under the fundamental laws of the region is entitled to the equal treatment and protection of that Nation's right to vote.
13) No governmental authority of the region has the power to suspend or disregard the Constitution or the Legal Code. In the event of an actual emergency, the governmental authorities of the region, with the express consent of the nations of the region or their representatives, is authorized to act in any reasonable manner that is consistent as practicable with the pertinent provisions of the Constitution.
14) States of emergency may be declared only by the Prime Minister, subject to Imperial Legislative Council ratification, if it is deemed necessary to preserve the life of the region against war, invasion, general insurrection, disorder, or other public emergency, and if it is necessary to restore peace and order.
15) A declaration of state of emergency, and any legislation enacted or other action taken in consequence of that declaration, may be effective only prospectively, and for no more than 21 days from the date of the declaration, unless the Diwan-i-Aam resolves to extend the declaration, but for no longer than three months following the date of the declaration. The first extension must be adopted by a majority of the House, while subsequent extensions require at least two thirds of the House to adopt it. These extensions may only be adopted following public debate in the House.
16) The validity of a declaration of state of emergency may be decided by any competent court. So too may any extensions, legislation enacted, or other action taken, pursuant to the declaration of state of emergency.
17) Any result of the declaration of state of emergency may only violate the Bill of Rights provided that such a violation is strictly required by the emergency, and if legislation enacted is consistent with the region’s obligations under any treaties, conforms to subsection (d) and is published in the regional news as soon as reasonably possible after being enacted.
18) No declaration of state of emergency may permit indemnifying the government, or any nation, in respect of any unlawful act. Neither may it permit any deviation from this section, or any of the following rights to the extent furnished by their provisions: Article 2; Sections 3, 4, 8, 9, and 13.
19) If a court releases a detainee, that nation may not be detained again on the same grounds unless the government first shows the court good cause for re-detainment.
20) Nations who are not citizens are not subject to the provisions under Section 14. Instead, the government must comply with standards binding the region under any treaties with foreign governments.
21) Any nation listed in this section has the right to approach a competent court, alleging that a right in the Bill of Rights has been threatened or violated. The court may grant appropriate relief to this end.
22) Interpretation of this Bill of Rights by any body must promote the values that are enshrine within this Constitution, must consider foreign treaties, and not deny the existence of any other rights or freedoms that are consistent with this Bill.
Chapter 3
Government
Article 3
Government of the Empire
Government
Article 3
Government of the Empire
1) In the region, government is constituted as regional bodies of state which are distinctive, interdependent, and interrelated.
2) All spheres of government must observe and adhere to the principles in this Chapter and must conduct their activities within the parameters that the Chapter provides.
3) All spheres of government and organs of state must preserve the peace, regional unity and indivisibility of the Monarchy. They must secure the well-being of the nations of the region, providing effective, transparent, accountable, coherent government all displaying loyalty to this Constitution, the Empire and its nations.
4) All spheres of government and organs of state must respect the constitutional statues, institutions, powers and functions of government in other spheres. This includes not assuming any function except those conferred on them in terms of the Constitution.
5) All government officials must maintain citizenship while in office.
6) Government bodies and organs of state may create rules for their own governance subordinate to this Constitution.
7) No government official may hold a single office for more than five consecutive months.
8) No government official may hold a single office for more than five terms, where one term is determines by one candidate and not one month.
9) The Monarch
(a) The Monarch is defined as the executive Head of State of the Mughal Empire.
(b) The Monarch is the Founder, or a direct descendant of the Founder, attaining this office through laws governed by provisions of succession set out by His Imperial Majesty’s Personal Office.
(c) The Monarch, an Emperor or an Empress, is the source of governmental authority in the region, the fount of all honour, and the custodian of traditions, specifically those governing social custom and entitlement of titled individuals.
(d) As Monarch and Head of State, the Emperor or Empress holds ceremonial authority. This includes, but is not limited to, powers to advise or caution the Premier.
(e) The Premier will be the individual most able to command a majority in the Diwan-i-Aam, and who has been granted permission to form a government by the Monarch, following a general election.
(f) No law, treaty, or other governing enactment may be treated as legal unless it has received Imperial Assent by the Monarch.
(g) A firman may be issued by the Monarch to elevate individuals to peerages, to redefine offices of state, and to clarify other traditional matters, as long as such firman are not in contravention of this Constitution.
(h) The Monarch’s Office, known as His Imperial Majesty’s Personal Office, remains the supreme power in the region. This office may assume the responsibilities of any other office or organ of state, if the House agrees to this by a two-thirds majority.
(i) This office may demote or remove any official from office, including any of the officials within His Imperial Majesty’s Personal Office, but not the Monarch.
(j) The affected parties may petition the Monarch, or the appropriate court, for a reversal of removal.
(k) The Sheikh is the Monarch’s closest advisor, retaining the ceremonial role of the Monarch’s Head of Household and Grand Vizier.
(l) All decisions taken by His Imperial Majesty’s Personal Office may only be enacted if the majority of the Office agrees on it.
(m) Members of this office include the Monarch, the Sheikh, the Vali Ahd (heir apparent), and any other individual that the Monarch has appointed in any capacity that does not contravene this Constitution.
10) Imperial Legislative Council
(a) The Imperial Legislative Council consists of two Houses – the lower Diwan-i-Aam, and the upper Diwan-i-Khas.
(b) The Houses participate in the legislative process in the manner set out in the Constitution.
(c) The Diwan-i-Aam is elected to represent the citizens, and to ensure government by the citizens under the Constitution. It does this by choosing the Executive (as defined by provisions requiring the Executive Premier to control a majority of the House), by providing a regional forum for public consideration of issues, and by passing legislation and by scrutinizing and overseeing executive action.
(d) The Diwan-i-Khas represents the titled class to ensure that accountability is held when passing legislation that is not reflective of political agenda. Following this, the Diwan-i-Khas may not be reflective of the political majority in the region, rather consisting of distinguished members of society, from all disciplines, whose excellence has been recognised by the Monarch with firman.
(e) The Prime Minister may summon the Council to an extraordinary sitting at any time to conduct special business.
(f) The Imperial Legislative Council will be officially opened within one day of the general election, after a recess lasting a week preceding the general election. Parliament will open with the Emperor’s Speech in a ceremony defined by tradition and His Imperial Majesty’s Personal Office. This speech will reflect the policy agenda of the incoming government.
(g) The Prime Minister may dissolve the Imperial Legislative Council, following which will be a general election.
(h) The Diwan-i-Aam may dissolve the Imperial Legislative Council through a motion passed by two-thirds majority, following which will be a general election.
(i) An Imperial Legislative Council Firman may enact the determination of the seat of the Imperial Legislative Council anywhere within the region.
(j) When exercising its legislative authority, the Council is bound only by the Constitution.
(k) The Houses must establish joint rules concerning the business of both Houses, including rules and orders to determine procedures to facilitate the legislative process, including setting a time limit for completing any step in the process.
11) Diwan-i-Aam
(a) The Diwan-i-Aam is the lower house of the Imperial Legislative Council of the Mughal Empire.
(b) The Diwan-i-Aam will consist of seven elected members representing their political parties or independent status in accordance with the proportion that that entity received in the general election.
(c) The House may enact, amend or repeal laws by a majority vote.
(d) The House may remove any government official from any office, except those in His Imperial Majesty’s Personal Office, by a two-thirds majority vote.
(e) The House may amend the Constitution by a two-thirds majority vote.
(f) The House may assign any of its legislative powers, except the power to amend the Constitution, to any other legislative body.
(g) The House may confer the Diwan-i-Khas the power to participate in amending the Constitution in accordance with sub-Section (e).
(h) The number of votes required to achieve quorum for any vote of the House will be determined by the Speaker of the Diwan-i-Aam.
(i) The House will elect a new Speaker from among its members every 1 month by a plurality vote and this will take place after the general election, as soon as members of the Imperial Legislative Council are sworn in.
(j) The Speaker will administer the rules of the House. Where no rules exist, the Speaker may use their discretion.
(i) The Deputy Speaker holds the same powers as any House member but is first in the line of succession to the Speaker if the post is vacant in the duration of a term.
(k) Abstentions cast in the House will not be used to determine the result of any vote, but may be used for quorum and all other purposes.
(l) The Speaker may appoint deputies to assist them in the execution of any of their powers and duties. Appointment of deputies may be regulated by law and the rules of the House.
(m) The following positions are filled with Members of the Imperial Legislative Council:
(i) Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil Service
(ii) Secretary of State for the Home Department
(iii) Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
(iv) Secretary of State for Culture and Media
(v) Secretary of State for Defence
(n) The offices listed in (j): (ii)-(iv) shall be appointed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will be the leader, or Premier candidate, for the party or group who is able to command a majority in the House.
(o) The World Assembly Delegate shall act as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
12) Diwan-i-Khas
(a) The Diwan-i-Khas is the upper house of the Imperial Legislative Council of the Mughal Empire.
(b) The Diwan-i-Khas will consist of all members of government of elevated status, that is (in order of precedence):
(i) Lord Chief Justice and Associate Lord Justices
(ii) All hereditary and life peers
(c) The Lord Speaker of the Diwan-i-Khas will be chosen by a majority vote from amongst its members.
(d) All Imperial Legislative Council Firmans enacted by the Diwan-i-Aam must pass through the Diwan-i-Khas by majority vote before it may receive Imperial Assent.
(e) The Diwan-i-Khas may veto any Imperial Legislative Council Firman by majority vote, sending it back to the Diwan-i-Aam with recommendations.
(f) The Diwan-i-Khas may pass such a Firman with a two-thirds majority. Failure to do so will require consideration of amendments, before the Firman is deliberated once more by both Houses.
(g) The Diwan-i-Khas may not veto any single Firman more than three times, following which the Firman will automatically go to the Monarch for Imperial Assent.
13) The Prime Minister and Regional Executive
(a) The Prime Minister is the head of the regional executive and must uphold, defend, and respect the Constitution, promoting the unity of the region.
(b) The Prime Minister has the powers entrusted by the Constitution and legislation including those necessary to perform the functions of Head of the Regional Executive.
(c) The Prime Minister is responsible for the delivery of Firmans to the Monarch for Imperial Assent, referring Firmans back to the Imperial Legislative Council or the Supreme Court for reconsideration of their constitutionality, summoning the Imperial Legislative Council, making appointments that the Constitution or legislation require the Prime Minister to make, appointing commissions of inquiry, calling a regional referendum, receiving foreign dignitaries, and appointing diplomatic representatives.
(d) The Prime Minister exercises executive authority, along with the rest of the Cabinet, by implementing regional legislation, developing and implementing regional policy, co-ordinating the functions of all organs of state, preparing and initiating legislation, and exercising any other function provided by the Constitution or legislation.
(e) The Prime Minister will be the individual most able to command a majority in the Diwan-i-Aam following a general election or a vacancy in the office of the Premier.
(f) The Lord Chief Justice must preside over the swearing in of the executive. Where none exists, the swearing in will be presided by the Monarch.
(g) The Prime Minister’s term of office begins on assuming office and ends with a vacancy occurring, or when the next Prime Minister assumes office, and will last for a period of no longer than five consecutive terms.
(h) The Prime Minister may be removed from office when they can no longer command a majority, and if a resolution is adopted supporting this by at least a two-third majority of the House. Any Prime Minister removed in this manner may not hold any public office, nor receive benefits of that office.
(i) The Cabinet consists of the Prime Minister, and Secretaries of State defined by Section 11.
(j) The Prime Minister assigns powers and functions of members of Cabinet, may appoint them, and may dismiss them.
(k) The Prime Minister may select up to three citizens for Cabinet positions outside of the Imperial Legislative Council.
14) Attorney General
(a) The House will elect an Attorney General by plurality vote every four months.
(b) The Attorney General will have discretion to manage the prosecution of all criminal cases brought before the Court, save those outlined below, and will also act as a legal advisor to all government spheres or organs of state of the Empire upon request.
(c) The Attorney General shall not be involved in the prosecution of any criminal case in which they are a defendant, a defence attorney, or a witness.
(d) The Attorney General may appoint deputies to assist them in the execution of any of their powers and duties. Appointment of deputies may be regulated by His Imperial Majesty’s Personal Office or the House if it is deemed fit to do so.
15) The Supreme Court of Mugliyah Saltanat
(a) The Court will try all criminal cases, resolve conflicts or ambiguities in the law, and review the constitutionality of laws or legality of government policies by request of an affected party.
(b) The Court will consist of at least three Lord Justices, who will select a Lord Chief Justice among themselves.
(c) The Lord Chief Justice will administer the rules of the Court. Where no rules exist, the Lord Chief Justice may use their discretion.
(d) The official opinion of the Court in any trial or review will be binding on all government bodies and officials.
(e) Appointments for Lord Justices will be nominated by the Prime Minister, confirmed by a two-thirds majority vote in the House, and after the candidate is successfully vetted by the Home Office and Ministry of Defence, the candidate is sworn in by the presiding Lord Chief Justice, or where none exists, by the Monarch.
(f) Lord Justices will have life tenure.
16) Ministry of Defence
(a) The Ministry of Defence is a body of up to ten citizens that monitor the region for security purposes.
(b) Nine of the members are nominated by the Prime Minister, confirmed by a plurality vote in the House, and after the candidate is successfully vetted by the Home Office, the candidate is sworn in by the presiding Lord Chief Justice, or where none exists, by the Secretary of State for Defence.
(c) The tenth member will be the Secretary of State for Defence, appointed by the Prime Minister in the cabinet.
(d) The Ministry assists with border control, in-game delegacy, elections, and a mechanism of response in the case of a threat to regional security.
(e) The Ministry remains accountable to other organs of state set out in the previous Sections, as well as to this Constitution.
(f) Any citizen may apply to join the Ministry of Defence.
17) General Provisions
(a) All constitutionally mandated officials are public officials responsible to the electorate and to this Constitution.
(b) All other government officials are also considered constitutionally mandated.
2) All spheres of government must observe and adhere to the principles in this Chapter and must conduct their activities within the parameters that the Chapter provides.
3) All spheres of government and organs of state must preserve the peace, regional unity and indivisibility of the Monarchy. They must secure the well-being of the nations of the region, providing effective, transparent, accountable, coherent government all displaying loyalty to this Constitution, the Empire and its nations.
4) All spheres of government and organs of state must respect the constitutional statues, institutions, powers and functions of government in other spheres. This includes not assuming any function except those conferred on them in terms of the Constitution.
5) All government officials must maintain citizenship while in office.
6) Government bodies and organs of state may create rules for their own governance subordinate to this Constitution.
7) No government official may hold a single office for more than five consecutive months.
8) No government official may hold a single office for more than five terms, where one term is determines by one candidate and not one month.
9) The Monarch
(a) The Monarch is defined as the executive Head of State of the Mughal Empire.
(b) The Monarch is the Founder, or a direct descendant of the Founder, attaining this office through laws governed by provisions of succession set out by His Imperial Majesty’s Personal Office.
(c) The Monarch, an Emperor or an Empress, is the source of governmental authority in the region, the fount of all honour, and the custodian of traditions, specifically those governing social custom and entitlement of titled individuals.
(d) As Monarch and Head of State, the Emperor or Empress holds ceremonial authority. This includes, but is not limited to, powers to advise or caution the Premier.
(e) The Premier will be the individual most able to command a majority in the Diwan-i-Aam, and who has been granted permission to form a government by the Monarch, following a general election.
(f) No law, treaty, or other governing enactment may be treated as legal unless it has received Imperial Assent by the Monarch.
(g) A firman may be issued by the Monarch to elevate individuals to peerages, to redefine offices of state, and to clarify other traditional matters, as long as such firman are not in contravention of this Constitution.
(h) The Monarch’s Office, known as His Imperial Majesty’s Personal Office, remains the supreme power in the region. This office may assume the responsibilities of any other office or organ of state, if the House agrees to this by a two-thirds majority.
(i) This office may demote or remove any official from office, including any of the officials within His Imperial Majesty’s Personal Office, but not the Monarch.
(j) The affected parties may petition the Monarch, or the appropriate court, for a reversal of removal.
(k) The Sheikh is the Monarch’s closest advisor, retaining the ceremonial role of the Monarch’s Head of Household and Grand Vizier.
(l) All decisions taken by His Imperial Majesty’s Personal Office may only be enacted if the majority of the Office agrees on it.
(m) Members of this office include the Monarch, the Sheikh, the Vali Ahd (heir apparent), and any other individual that the Monarch has appointed in any capacity that does not contravene this Constitution.
10) Imperial Legislative Council
(a) The Imperial Legislative Council consists of two Houses – the lower Diwan-i-Aam, and the upper Diwan-i-Khas.
(b) The Houses participate in the legislative process in the manner set out in the Constitution.
(c) The Diwan-i-Aam is elected to represent the citizens, and to ensure government by the citizens under the Constitution. It does this by choosing the Executive (as defined by provisions requiring the Executive Premier to control a majority of the House), by providing a regional forum for public consideration of issues, and by passing legislation and by scrutinizing and overseeing executive action.
(d) The Diwan-i-Khas represents the titled class to ensure that accountability is held when passing legislation that is not reflective of political agenda. Following this, the Diwan-i-Khas may not be reflective of the political majority in the region, rather consisting of distinguished members of society, from all disciplines, whose excellence has been recognised by the Monarch with firman.
(e) The Prime Minister may summon the Council to an extraordinary sitting at any time to conduct special business.
(f) The Imperial Legislative Council will be officially opened within one day of the general election, after a recess lasting a week preceding the general election. Parliament will open with the Emperor’s Speech in a ceremony defined by tradition and His Imperial Majesty’s Personal Office. This speech will reflect the policy agenda of the incoming government.
(g) The Prime Minister may dissolve the Imperial Legislative Council, following which will be a general election.
(h) The Diwan-i-Aam may dissolve the Imperial Legislative Council through a motion passed by two-thirds majority, following which will be a general election.
(i) An Imperial Legislative Council Firman may enact the determination of the seat of the Imperial Legislative Council anywhere within the region.
(j) When exercising its legislative authority, the Council is bound only by the Constitution.
(k) The Houses must establish joint rules concerning the business of both Houses, including rules and orders to determine procedures to facilitate the legislative process, including setting a time limit for completing any step in the process.
11) Diwan-i-Aam
(a) The Diwan-i-Aam is the lower house of the Imperial Legislative Council of the Mughal Empire.
(b) The Diwan-i-Aam will consist of seven elected members representing their political parties or independent status in accordance with the proportion that that entity received in the general election.
(c) The House may enact, amend or repeal laws by a majority vote.
(d) The House may remove any government official from any office, except those in His Imperial Majesty’s Personal Office, by a two-thirds majority vote.
(e) The House may amend the Constitution by a two-thirds majority vote.
(f) The House may assign any of its legislative powers, except the power to amend the Constitution, to any other legislative body.
(g) The House may confer the Diwan-i-Khas the power to participate in amending the Constitution in accordance with sub-Section (e).
(h) The number of votes required to achieve quorum for any vote of the House will be determined by the Speaker of the Diwan-i-Aam.
(i) The House will elect a new Speaker from among its members every 1 month by a plurality vote and this will take place after the general election, as soon as members of the Imperial Legislative Council are sworn in.
(j) The Speaker will administer the rules of the House. Where no rules exist, the Speaker may use their discretion.
(i) The Deputy Speaker holds the same powers as any House member but is first in the line of succession to the Speaker if the post is vacant in the duration of a term.
(k) Abstentions cast in the House will not be used to determine the result of any vote, but may be used for quorum and all other purposes.
(l) The Speaker may appoint deputies to assist them in the execution of any of their powers and duties. Appointment of deputies may be regulated by law and the rules of the House.
(m) The following positions are filled with Members of the Imperial Legislative Council:
(i) Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil Service
(ii) Secretary of State for the Home Department
(iii) Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
(iv) Secretary of State for Culture and Media
(v) Secretary of State for Defence
(n) The offices listed in (j): (ii)-(iv) shall be appointed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will be the leader, or Premier candidate, for the party or group who is able to command a majority in the House.
(o) The World Assembly Delegate shall act as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
12) Diwan-i-Khas
(a) The Diwan-i-Khas is the upper house of the Imperial Legislative Council of the Mughal Empire.
(b) The Diwan-i-Khas will consist of all members of government of elevated status, that is (in order of precedence):
(i) Lord Chief Justice and Associate Lord Justices
(ii) All hereditary and life peers
(c) The Lord Speaker of the Diwan-i-Khas will be chosen by a majority vote from amongst its members.
(d) All Imperial Legislative Council Firmans enacted by the Diwan-i-Aam must pass through the Diwan-i-Khas by majority vote before it may receive Imperial Assent.
(e) The Diwan-i-Khas may veto any Imperial Legislative Council Firman by majority vote, sending it back to the Diwan-i-Aam with recommendations.
(f) The Diwan-i-Khas may pass such a Firman with a two-thirds majority. Failure to do so will require consideration of amendments, before the Firman is deliberated once more by both Houses.
(g) The Diwan-i-Khas may not veto any single Firman more than three times, following which the Firman will automatically go to the Monarch for Imperial Assent.
13) The Prime Minister and Regional Executive
(a) The Prime Minister is the head of the regional executive and must uphold, defend, and respect the Constitution, promoting the unity of the region.
(b) The Prime Minister has the powers entrusted by the Constitution and legislation including those necessary to perform the functions of Head of the Regional Executive.
(c) The Prime Minister is responsible for the delivery of Firmans to the Monarch for Imperial Assent, referring Firmans back to the Imperial Legislative Council or the Supreme Court for reconsideration of their constitutionality, summoning the Imperial Legislative Council, making appointments that the Constitution or legislation require the Prime Minister to make, appointing commissions of inquiry, calling a regional referendum, receiving foreign dignitaries, and appointing diplomatic representatives.
(d) The Prime Minister exercises executive authority, along with the rest of the Cabinet, by implementing regional legislation, developing and implementing regional policy, co-ordinating the functions of all organs of state, preparing and initiating legislation, and exercising any other function provided by the Constitution or legislation.
(e) The Prime Minister will be the individual most able to command a majority in the Diwan-i-Aam following a general election or a vacancy in the office of the Premier.
(f) The Lord Chief Justice must preside over the swearing in of the executive. Where none exists, the swearing in will be presided by the Monarch.
(g) The Prime Minister’s term of office begins on assuming office and ends with a vacancy occurring, or when the next Prime Minister assumes office, and will last for a period of no longer than five consecutive terms.
(h) The Prime Minister may be removed from office when they can no longer command a majority, and if a resolution is adopted supporting this by at least a two-third majority of the House. Any Prime Minister removed in this manner may not hold any public office, nor receive benefits of that office.
(i) The Cabinet consists of the Prime Minister, and Secretaries of State defined by Section 11.
(j) The Prime Minister assigns powers and functions of members of Cabinet, may appoint them, and may dismiss them.
(k) The Prime Minister may select up to three citizens for Cabinet positions outside of the Imperial Legislative Council.
14) Attorney General
(a) The House will elect an Attorney General by plurality vote every four months.
(b) The Attorney General will have discretion to manage the prosecution of all criminal cases brought before the Court, save those outlined below, and will also act as a legal advisor to all government spheres or organs of state of the Empire upon request.
(c) The Attorney General shall not be involved in the prosecution of any criminal case in which they are a defendant, a defence attorney, or a witness.
(d) The Attorney General may appoint deputies to assist them in the execution of any of their powers and duties. Appointment of deputies may be regulated by His Imperial Majesty’s Personal Office or the House if it is deemed fit to do so.
15) The Supreme Court of Mugliyah Saltanat
(a) The Court will try all criminal cases, resolve conflicts or ambiguities in the law, and review the constitutionality of laws or legality of government policies by request of an affected party.
(b) The Court will consist of at least three Lord Justices, who will select a Lord Chief Justice among themselves.
(c) The Lord Chief Justice will administer the rules of the Court. Where no rules exist, the Lord Chief Justice may use their discretion.
(d) The official opinion of the Court in any trial or review will be binding on all government bodies and officials.
(e) Appointments for Lord Justices will be nominated by the Prime Minister, confirmed by a two-thirds majority vote in the House, and after the candidate is successfully vetted by the Home Office and Ministry of Defence, the candidate is sworn in by the presiding Lord Chief Justice, or where none exists, by the Monarch.
(f) Lord Justices will have life tenure.
16) Ministry of Defence
(a) The Ministry of Defence is a body of up to ten citizens that monitor the region for security purposes.
(b) Nine of the members are nominated by the Prime Minister, confirmed by a plurality vote in the House, and after the candidate is successfully vetted by the Home Office, the candidate is sworn in by the presiding Lord Chief Justice, or where none exists, by the Secretary of State for Defence.
(c) The tenth member will be the Secretary of State for Defence, appointed by the Prime Minister in the cabinet.
(d) The Ministry assists with border control, in-game delegacy, elections, and a mechanism of response in the case of a threat to regional security.
(e) The Ministry remains accountable to other organs of state set out in the previous Sections, as well as to this Constitution.
(f) Any citizen may apply to join the Ministry of Defence.
17) General Provisions
(a) All constitutionally mandated officials are public officials responsible to the electorate and to this Constitution.
(b) All other government officials are also considered constitutionally mandated.
Article 4
Government oversight
Government oversight
1) The organs of state set out by Article 3 shall be subject to oversight, scrutiny, and legal action by the institutions set out in this Article.
2) The Public Protector has the power, as regulated by legislation, to investigate any conduct in state affairs, or in the administration of any sphere of government, that is alleged or suspected to be improper. They may report on that conduct and take appropriate remedial action. Additional powers may be prescribed by regional legislation. The Public Protector may not investigate decisions of the Supreme Court, must remain accessible to all citizens, and remain transparent. The Public Protector will be appointed with the process described in Article 3, Section 15(e), and will hold a term for 7 months.
3) The Electoral Commission will manage general elections, and other extraordinary elections of government that are not provided for in this Constitution. The Commission will do so to ensure freedom and fairness of elections, declaring the results as soon as possible if no breach is found. Other powers may be prescribed by regional legislation. The Commission will comprise of up to three officers appointed by the process described in Article 3, Section 15(e), and will each hold a term for 12 months.
4) Removal and extraordinary appointments may be prescribed by regional legislation.
5) The government shall govern with full transparency and accountability. Pursuant to this, each institution remains vital to the oversight of other institutions, and all records must be made public immediately, or where classified, when it is deemed safe by the Prime Minister, the Defence Secretary, and the Lord Chief Justice to be declassified and stored in archives regulated by regional legislation.
2) The Public Protector has the power, as regulated by legislation, to investigate any conduct in state affairs, or in the administration of any sphere of government, that is alleged or suspected to be improper. They may report on that conduct and take appropriate remedial action. Additional powers may be prescribed by regional legislation. The Public Protector may not investigate decisions of the Supreme Court, must remain accessible to all citizens, and remain transparent. The Public Protector will be appointed with the process described in Article 3, Section 15(e), and will hold a term for 7 months.
3) The Electoral Commission will manage general elections, and other extraordinary elections of government that are not provided for in this Constitution. The Commission will do so to ensure freedom and fairness of elections, declaring the results as soon as possible if no breach is found. Other powers may be prescribed by regional legislation. The Commission will comprise of up to three officers appointed by the process described in Article 3, Section 15(e), and will each hold a term for 12 months.
4) Removal and extraordinary appointments may be prescribed by regional legislation.
5) The government shall govern with full transparency and accountability. Pursuant to this, each institution remains vital to the oversight of other institutions, and all records must be made public immediately, or where classified, when it is deemed safe by the Prime Minister, the Defence Secretary, and the Lord Chief Justice to be declassified and stored in archives regulated by regional legislation.
Chapter 4
Cabinet members and government departments – additional provisions
Article 5
The Ministry of Defence
Cabinet members and government departments – additional provisions
Article 5
The Ministry of Defence
1) This Ministry shall be headed by the Prime Minister’s appointed Secretary of State for Defence.
2) This Ministry shall be bound by the conditions set out in Chapter 3, Article 3, Section 16.
3) The Ministry shall function as the head of the Mughal Army under its Commander in Chief, the Monarch, administering the powers of the Monarch as Commander in Chief, and of the Prime Minister as defined by this Constitution and regional legislation.
4) The Ministry may regulate legislation that provides for an establishment of the Mughal Army, as well as prescribe regulations for the recruitment and functions of this Army in accordance with the security of the region, this Constitution, and regional legislation.
5) Generally considered a separate arm of government, the Ministry and the Defence Force remain accountable to the House and to the Prime Minister by virtue of their appointment, directly or indirectly, by said oversight bodies.
6) In its assistance with border control, the Executive shall direct the deployment of Army citizens to protect the regional borders as prescribed by regulations, the Constitution, and regional legislation.
7) In its assistance with in-game delegacy, the Executive reserves the right to utilise the Defence Force in the appointment of a Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (World Assembly Delegate) where the appointment is seen as necessary to the region, does not impinge on citizen rights, does not contravene this Constitution or regional legislation, and remaining subject to oversight by concerned organs of state.
8) In its assistance with elections, the Ministry and Defence Force may be utilised by the Election Commission to ensure elections meet the requirements set out by this Constitution and regional legislation, where it is seen as necessary for peaceful succession, does not impinge on citizen rights, does not contravene this Constitution or regional legislation, and remaining subject to oversight by concerned organs of state.
9) In its assistance with management of threats to regional security, the Ministry and Defence Force may perform any action within the legality of this Constitution and regional legislation to ensure the safety of the region.
10) All functions of the Ministry may be aided by the use of intelligence in the maintenance of regional security. Intelligence apparatuses may be regulated by internal Ministry policy that does not act against this Constitution and regional legislation. Intelligence apparatuses, members of the Intelligence, Intelligence directives, and information gathered by Intelligence must be transparent in accordance with Chapter 3, Article 4, Section 5, as well as with regional legislation.
11) Other functions may be undertaken by the Ministry, and by the governing Defence Secretary, remaining conscious of constitutionality and regional legality. These may be directives of the Prime Minister, the House, oversight bodies, or the Supreme Court.
Article 6
The Home Office
The Home Office
1) The Home Office shall be headed by the Prime Minister’s appointed Secretary of State for the Home Department.
2) The Home Office, staffed by appointments designated by the Home Secretary and regional legislation, will function as the primary guardian of internal security.
3) This will be upheld by the control of borders in defining fixed processes and requirement for attainment of citizenship, by keeping a Citizen Record with all public details of each citizen available, by allowing this Record to be publicly available, and by assisting in the vetting of citizens taking public office – by request, or where defined by the Constitution.
2) The Home Office, staffed by appointments designated by the Home Secretary and regional legislation, will function as the primary guardian of internal security.
3) This will be upheld by the control of borders in defining fixed processes and requirement for attainment of citizenship, by keeping a Citizen Record with all public details of each citizen available, by allowing this Record to be publicly available, and by assisting in the vetting of citizens taking public office – by request, or where defined by the Constitution.
Article 7
The Foreign Affairs Office
The Foreign Affairs Office
1) The Foreign Affairs Office shall be headed by the Prime Minister’s appointed Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who shall also function as World Assembly Delegate.
2) Appointment of the Secretary shall always remain cognisant of the requirement to be the World Assembly Delegate. Hence, the Secretary shall be the incumbent World Assembly Delegate, or where term limits are exceeded or the requirement of a new World Assembly Delegate is deemed necessary by the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister may enforce the selection of a new World Assembly Delegate, either by voting (through endorsements) or by any other legal extraordinary means.
3) The Foreign Affairs Office shall function as the primary point of contact with other regions. In doing so, it will enforce the government’s foreign policy through the establishment of diplomatic missions abroad.
4) These mission will be headed by Ambassadors, in closely allied embassy regions, by Consular Generals, in allied consulate regions, and by High Commissioners in regions with High Commissions.
5) The Foreign Affairs Office will appoint diplomats as it sees fit, and subject to vetting by the Home Office.
6) The Secretary shall be the Empire’s representative at the World Assembly, voting and presenting motions in line with the Prime Minister’s directive.
2) Appointment of the Secretary shall always remain cognisant of the requirement to be the World Assembly Delegate. Hence, the Secretary shall be the incumbent World Assembly Delegate, or where term limits are exceeded or the requirement of a new World Assembly Delegate is deemed necessary by the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister may enforce the selection of a new World Assembly Delegate, either by voting (through endorsements) or by any other legal extraordinary means.
3) The Foreign Affairs Office shall function as the primary point of contact with other regions. In doing so, it will enforce the government’s foreign policy through the establishment of diplomatic missions abroad.
4) These mission will be headed by Ambassadors, in closely allied embassy regions, by Consular Generals, in allied consulate regions, and by High Commissioners in regions with High Commissions.
5) The Foreign Affairs Office will appoint diplomats as it sees fit, and subject to vetting by the Home Office.
6) The Secretary shall be the Empire’s representative at the World Assembly, voting and presenting motions in line with the Prime Minister’s directive.
Article 8
The Cultural Office
The Cultural Office
1) The Cultural Office shall be headed by the Prime Minister’s appointed Secretary of State for Culture and Media.
2) This Office shall function as the primary custodian of the region’s history, tradition, culture and media.
3) As the custodian of history and tradition, the Cultural Office will keep public archives of the official history of the region, of major events, of documents and laws, of this Constitution, and of any other material it deems of historical significance.
4) As the custodian of culture and media, the Cultural Office shall facilitate institutions and activities promoting regional culture and media. These may be cultural events, role play, a national broadcaster (the Agra Chronicle), and other elements considered of cultural significance.
5) The Office shall be staffed by members appointed by the Secretary.
2) This Office shall function as the primary custodian of the region’s history, tradition, culture and media.
3) As the custodian of history and tradition, the Cultural Office will keep public archives of the official history of the region, of major events, of documents and laws, of this Constitution, and of any other material it deems of historical significance.
4) As the custodian of culture and media, the Cultural Office shall facilitate institutions and activities promoting regional culture and media. These may be cultural events, role play, a national broadcaster (the Agra Chronicle), and other elements considered of cultural significance.
5) The Office shall be staffed by members appointed by the Secretary.
Article 9
General Provisions
General Provisions
1) All offices and departments may be regulated by regional legislation.
2) Additional processes, functions, institutions, and terms of appointment applicable to each office may be defined by the head of that office, or by regional legislation.
2) Additional processes, functions, institutions, and terms of appointment applicable to each office may be defined by the head of that office, or by regional legislation.
Chapter 5
Amendments
Article 1
General Provisions
Amendments
Article 1
General Provisions
1) All amendments to this Constitution shall be listed under Article 2.
2) An original record of each successive Constitution must be maintained by the Cultural Office.
2) An original record of each successive Constitution must be maintained by the Cultural Office.
