Court stays expulsion order of former Arunachal Pradesh minister Kalikho Pul from Congress

ITANAGAR: In a blow to the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), a civil court here has put a stay on the expulsion order of former Arunachal Pradesh Finance Minister Kalikho Pul from the party.

Pul was expelled from the party on April 2 last by APCC president Padi Richo for six years for alleged anti-party activities.

The Court of Civil Judge (senior division) in its order on May 13 last said, "In the meantime, as interim measure the defendants namely the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee and the APCC President are directed not to give effect to the order passed by Richo and the operation of the said order is stayed till next date in the case fixed on June 17 next."

While making available the order of the copy to the press, Pul said that being aggrieved by the expulsion order, he had filed the instant suit challenging the validity of the impugned order as the APCC without due process of law had expelled him from the Congress.

"No showcase notice was issued to me, no enquiry was conducted and opportunity to be heard was not provided to me. It is the triumph of truth and righteousness," he pointed out.