Jaya not to challenge RS disqualification in court

New Delhi, Mar 20 (UNI) Jaya Bachchan, Samajwadi Party leader who has been disqualified as Rajya Sabha member by President A P J Abdul Kalam on the recommendations of the Election Commission, is not going to challenge her disqualification in the court.

Mr P H Parekh, counsel for Jaya Bachchan, today told UNI that whenever by-elections would be held for the seat in the Council of States vacated by her , she would be brought back to the Upper House by her party and that his client was not inclined to challenge her disqualification under article 102(1)(a) of the Constitution of India for holding an office of profit in the court.

Ms Bachchan has already filed an application seeking that the apex court define the term "office of profit." She was disqualified on the complaint of Madan Mohan , defeated Congress candidate , who alleged that she was enjoying the cabinet rank as chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Film Development Corporation (UPFDC)while being the member of the Upper House.

When asked about Samajwadi Party General Secretary Amar Singh challenging EC notice issued to him for the same allegations, Mr.

Parekh replied that they had enough time to discuss and decide the future course of action.

Mr Singh has been directed by the EC to file his response latest by March 31,2006. Amar Singh as chairman of UP Land Development Council(UPLDC) is also holding cabinet rank while being a member of the Rajya Sabha.

The Assembly elections in UP are due to be held next year and SP may exploit the issue because the party has been alleging Congress President Sonia Gandhi is also holding a office of profit as chairperson of the National Advisory Council (NAC) where she is also enjoying cabinet rank while being a member of the Lok Sabha.

UNI AKS/SC RP LR KN1859