SC declines to hear writ to disqualify Gujjar MLAs

New Delhi, Jun 16 (UNI) The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a petition seeking disqualification of 18 Gujjar MLAs from Rajasthan for backing the demand of their community for Scheduled Tribe status in Rajasthan.

A vacation bench comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat and G S Singhvi told the petitioner Kashi Purohit that if his plea is accepted then most of the MPs and MLAs will have to go.

Purohit has challenged the order of single Judge Rajasthan High Court vide which his writ petition was dismissed.

According to the petitioner, Gujjar MLAs in the state have violated the oaths that they have taken that they will act freely and fairly without any fear or favour and therefore these MLAs are liable to be disqualified.

The petitioner had earlier made a representation to the state government against these MLAs.

The petitioner has also alleged that these MLAs have been making inflammatory speeches that there will be bloodbath if the demands of the Gujjar community are not accepted.

Only Meenas enjoy the status of Scheduled Tribe in Rajasthan and therefore they are the sole beneficiaries of the reservation provided to STs in jobs and education in the state.

Two Meena MLAs have also resigned from the assembly in protest against the dialogue that Vasundhara Raje Government is holding with Gujjars to resolve the controversy.

The apex court, however, permitted the petitioner to approach the two-judge bench of the High Court against the order of the single judge, if he so desired.

UNI SC RSA RP RN1408