Nandlal could have been punished in some other way: Nirupam

Nagpur, Mar 28 (UNI) Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) spokesman Sanjay Nirupam has said State Chief Electoral Officer Nandlal could have been punished in some way other than imprisonment for his refusal to appear before the Privileges Committee of the Legislature.

Speaking to reporters here today, Mr Nirupam said there were other ways of meting out punishment for breach of privilege, including a reprimand from the House. ''However, the decision was made by the House, and no comment can be made on it. The House is supreme,'' he said.

The decision to implement the punishment immediately was made by the presiding officer, and no comment could be made on it either, Nirupam said.

Nandlal was released this morning. The legislative assembly had yesterday approved the decision to arrest Nandlal for not presenting himself before the Privileges committee, despite being sommoned repeatedly.

Replying to questions, Mr Nirupam said the government was working on ways to extend the benefit of loan waiver to more farmers in the country, especially the worst affected areas like Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The announcement was likely to be made by the end of the ongoing budget session of Parliament, he added.

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