BSP MLA to file appeal against disqualification

Bilaspur, Aug 5 (UNI) The Chhattisgarh High Court has granted 15 days time to Bahujan Samaj Party leader Lal Sai Khunte to file an appeal in the Supreme Court against the court's earlier ruling declaring his 2003 election as MLA from Malkharod as null and void and ordering election afresh.

Justice Vijay Kumar Shrivastava, while granting time yesterday on Mr Khunte's application, granted interim stay of his July 31 order, but prevented him from availing any facility as legislator nor to attend any functions, including Assembly sittings, till the apex court verdict on the appeal. He will not be entitled to salary and allowances during the period, the court said.

The High Court nullified his election on a petition of defeated BJP candidate Nirmal Sinha who contended that Mr Khunte had not mentioned in his nomination paper the fact about his conviction for two years 15 years ago on the charge of cheating and misappropriation.

According to Mr Khunte, on a 'false' complaint by his opponents he was convicted by Additional Magistrate of Sakti in 1991 and the sessions court later stayed it. The sessions court, in its final verdict on July 25 this year, exonerated him of all charges.

Mr Sinha, when contacted, declined to comment.

UNI XC-SP SRS HT1512