AIADMK legislators seek disqualification of 'rebel' MLA

Chennai, Sep 27 (UNI) Legislators of the opposition AIADMK have written to Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker R Avudaiyappan to disqualify the party's rebel MLA S V Shanmugam under the provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

In a letter dated September 24 the legislators said Mr Shanmugam, who was elected from the Madurai West Assembly constituency contested as an AIADMK candidate on the party's 'two leaves' symbol.

According to the legislators of AIADMK, he however, had invited disqualification on the ground of defection under 2(1) (a) of Tenth Schedule as he had voluntarily given up his membership of the AIADMK by his speech and conduct.

The legislators also cited Mr Shanmugam's interview to a Tamil eveninger in which he had declared that he would function as an independent MLA in the Assembly and fully support the DMK Government.

''He has expressed his intention in very clear terms that he will function as an independent member in the House and not as an AIADMK member,'' they added.

Contrary to the directions of the AIADMK leadership, Mr Shanmugam attended a public meeting held in his constituency presided over by DMK Minister M K Stalin and lavished praise on him.

He had also given a series of press interviews, in which he had made malicious utterances against the AIADMK and its leadership.

Citing rulings of various courts, the legislators contended that giving up the membership of a party voluntarily need not be in writing and the same could be judiciously inferred and visualized from the conduct of the person.

They expressed hope that the Speaker, who was acting as a Tribunal in these matters, would adhere to the expectations of the Constitution and the Supreme Court and would act impartially in a time bound manner.

''Any delay caused by the Tribunal, namely the Speaker, will be immediately brought to the notice of the Courts for seeking directions to dispose of the petition in a time bound manner.'' they said.

UNI AKN AKJ HT1934