IT News
Imphal, Feb 4:
The Speaker’s Tribunal conducted a hearing today on the disqualification petitions filed against five Janata Dal (United) MLAs, who had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shortly after winning the election. The next hearing on the case has been scheduled for February 7, 2025, at 11:30 AM at the Speaker’s Tribunal in the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
Five out of the six JD(U) MLAs in Manipur merged with the ruling BJP on September 4, 2022. The disqualification petitions were filed by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) Vice President Hareshwar Goswami against MLAs Kh. Joykisan (Thangmeiband AC), Ngursanglur Sanate (Tipaimukh AC), Md. Asab Uddin (Jiribam AC), Thangjam Arunkumar (Wangkhei AC), and LM Khaute (Churachandpur AC). Additionally, separate petitions against Kh. Joykisan were filed by M. Dorendro and M. Surjit.
During today’s hearing, Advocate N. Bhupenda, representing the petitioners, pointed out that among the five JD(U) MLAs, only Khumukcham Joykisan had filed a counter affidavit before the Speaker’s Tribunal. However, the remaining four MLAs have not submitted their counter affidavits. The petitioners’ counsel argued that the delay in filing counter affidavits indicates a deliberate attempt to prolong the proceedings.
Furthermore, the petitioners’ legal counsel requested the Tribunal to impose a fine of Rs.5 lakh each on the four MLAs who had not filed their counter affidavits on time. Additionally, Advocate N. Bhupenda also brought up the issue of disqualification of NPP MLAs who continue to support the BJP-led government despite being in the Opposition.
The Tribunal will continue the proceedings on February 7 to determine the validity of the disqualification petitions and the legal arguments presented.