6 Himachal Congress MLAs appeal disqualification in Supreme Court
Himachal Pradesh: 6 Congress MLAs challenge disqualification in Supreme Court
Six former Congress MLAs from Himachal Pradesh have taken their case to the Supreme Court after being disqualified for defying their party's instructions during recent political events. These MLAs had initially supported a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls, causing a stir within the Congress party. Later, they abstained from voting on the budget, which led to their disqualification. The ruling Congress party sought their disqualification, reducing their majority in the state assembly.
Disqualification over Budget abstention
The six MLAs abstained from voting on the budget, going against their party's directives. As a result, they faced disqualification proceedings initiated by the parliamentary affairs minister. The Speaker of the state legislative assembly ruled that they had violated anti-defection laws and ceased to be members of the assembly.
Allegations of unfair treatment
The rebel MLAs claim that they were not given sufficient opportunity to defend themselves against the disqualification petition. They argue that they were not provided with the necessary documents and were not given the mandated time to respond. Their legal representative argued that their attendance in the House did not align with their voting behavior, leading to confusion.
The Speaker defended his decision, stating that quick judgment was necessary to uphold democratic integrity and prevent opportunistic political maneuvers. He emphasized that the disqualification was unrelated to the MLAs' earlier cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha polls.
In essence, the case underscores the complex dynamics of party politics and the strict enforcement of anti-defection laws to maintain stability within legislative bodies.
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