Cross-voters likely to complete term, courtesy procedure
Going by experiences, the accused could move the Supreme Court even after the lengthy process in the Lok Sabha secretariat is complete, delaying action further.
By C L Manoj, ET Bureau |
NEW DELHI: Seventeen Lok Sabha members who were expelled from different Opposition parties for defying whips to help the UPA government during the trust-vote may theoretically lose their Lok Sabha seats under the anti-defection law. But practically, that looks unlikely as the 14th Lok Sabha has just eight more months and disqualification proceedings last longer.
Going by experiences, the accused could move the Supreme Court even after the lengthy process in the Lok Sabha secretariat is complete, delaying action further.
The `prolonged life��� defectors in the UP assembly had, after the then SP regime split the BSP legislative party, is seen as one of the striking examples of how the cross voters could enjoy the full life in the House. There are many such examples.
The eight parties (the BJP, Shiv Sena, JD(U), BJD, JD(S), MDMK, TDP, and Akali Dal) which expelled `match-fixers��� could be expected to seek fast-tracking the disqualification process. But the ���gang of 17��� can be expected to take a few tips from the likes of Mr Beni Prasad Verma and Mr Kuldeep Bishnoi, who have effectively used technicalities of privileges committee proceedings to hold on against disqualification, the former for more than a year now.
Further, the Opposition cannot expect the ruling side `to go out of the way��� to complicate cases for the 17, who ���rendered service��� on D-day. The government���s majority also depends on the cross-voters.BJP chief whip Santosh Gangwar has already filed eight sets of petition with the Lok Sabha secretariat, seeking disqualification of its eight MPs.
The Speaker will have to personally examine each of the petitions and then decide, on the merits of it, whether it should be referred to the Lok Sabha privileges committee. Though the Chair has some special powers to act on his own, in almost all such cases in the past, the petition was referred to the privileges committee to take evidence by cross examining complainers and the accused and submit a report to the Chair for final action.
These proceedings, normally last for months. In almost all cases, the accused succeed in prolonging things by skipping hearings or seeking more time for personal appearances so that they can delay the panel���s verdict.
Going by experiences, the accused could move the Supreme Court even after the lengthy process in the Lok Sabha secretariat is complete, delaying action further.
The `prolonged life��� defectors in the UP assembly had, after the then SP regime split the BSP legislative party, is seen as one of the striking examples of how the cross voters could enjoy the full life in the House. There are many such examples.
The eight parties (the BJP, Shiv Sena, JD(U), BJD, JD(S), MDMK, TDP, and Akali Dal) which expelled `match-fixers��� could be expected to seek fast-tracking the disqualification process. But the ���gang of 17��� can be expected to take a few tips from the likes of Mr Beni Prasad Verma and Mr Kuldeep Bishnoi, who have effectively used technicalities of privileges committee proceedings to hold on against disqualification, the former for more than a year now.
Further, the Opposition cannot expect the ruling side `to go out of the way��� to complicate cases for the 17, who ���rendered service��� on D-day. The government���s majority also depends on the cross-voters.BJP chief whip Santosh Gangwar has already filed eight sets of petition with the Lok Sabha secretariat, seeking disqualification of its eight MPs.
The Speaker will have to personally examine each of the petitions and then decide, on the merits of it, whether it should be referred to the Lok Sabha privileges committee. Though the Chair has some special powers to act on his own, in almost all such cases in the past, the petition was referred to the privileges committee to take evidence by cross examining complainers and the accused and submit a report to the Chair for final action.
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These proceedings, normally last for months. In almost all cases, the accused succeed in prolonging things by skipping hearings or seeking more time for personal appearances so that they can delay the panel���s verdict.
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