Hearing on TCM MLAs' disqualification case begins, next hearing on Sept 17
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 21 2014: Following the submission of application for disqualification of five MLAs of State unit of All India Trinamool Congress party by its President Th.Shyamkumar to the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly and the consequent summons served to the four MLAs by the Speaker, the hearing on the disqualification case under the 10th Schedule to Indian Constitution, popularly referred to as 'Anti-Defection Law,' began at the Assembly Secretariat here today.

The next hearing for the case will be held on September 17 .

Responding to the summon by the Speaker, four MLAs of Trinamool Congress namely Kh.

Joykishan of Thangmeiband Assembly Constituency, Th.Biswajit Singh of Thongju Assembly Constituency, K.Sarat of Konthoujam Assembly Constituency and Oinam Lukhoi of Wangoi constituency made their presence at the Assembly Secretariat at around 10.30 am today.

However, Dr I Ibohalbi, another Trinamool Congress MLA, against whom similar summon had been served, skipped from appearance today requesting the Speaker to defer it. The case hearing was arranged after the Speaker raised the issue with the Election Commission of India (ECI) .

After hearing the requests made by the four MLAs to extend the deadline for submission of explanatory statements on the allegations made against them, the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly ruled to extend the date for submission of explanation on September 17 .

It may be mentioned that Th.Shyamkumar, president of AITC, Manipur had applied for disqualification proceedings against the four MLAs for their alleged breach of constitutional provisions in forming a new party called 'Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress' while being members of the All India Trinamool Congress party.

President Shyamkumar, in his application to the Speaker, had also alleged the four MLAs with indulging in anti party activities during the last Parliament elections. Accordingly, the Speaker served summon notices to the four MLAs to be present on August 21 for hearing the disqualification case.

Meanwhile, sources said another hearing in connection with the merger of five MLAs of Manipur State Congress Party ( MSCP) with Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) is likely to hold on September 2 next.

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