Shimla, May 12
Three independent MLAs of Himachal did not appear before the Speaker for a hearing on Saturday as they skipped the hearing on the matter of their resignation, the second time.
Independent MLAs Hoshiar Singh from Dehra, KL Thakur from Nalagarh and Ashish Sharma from Hamirpur tendered resignation from posts on March 22 but the speaker did accept the resignation, on March 23, and they joined BJP in Delhi.
After this, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Education Minister Rohit Thakur lodged a petition with the Speaker, in which they expressed doubt that the resignation tendered by the trio could not be termed genuine and voluntary, while also questioning the fact that the MLAs elected for 5 years resigned within 15 months.
The Congressmen petition against them alleged that that the BJP transported them to Shimla via helicopter. Not only, BJP leaders were also present while the independent MLAs tendered resignation. “Was there any pressure on them? This should be investigated, they stated.
The Congress Ministers stated in the petition on 25 April that all three independent MLAs had joined BJP even before their resignations were accepted. Action should be taken against them under anti-defection law. Instead of accepting their resignation they should be disqualified under Antidefection law.
Later the Speaker also issued a notice to the trio on March 27 which was challenged by Independent MLAs in the high court on April 1.
<span;>However the three Independent MLAs got a set back as the decision taken by a division bench of Himachal Pradesh was not in their favour. High court on Monday said that the order could not be passed directing the speaker to accept their resignation. Since the order by the bench held dissenting directives, therefore it may now may be heard by a third judge bench.
Meanwhile the Speaker on Saturday awaited their presence for half an hour.
According to a Vidhansabha Official,now the Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania has posted the matter for a final hearing and order.
Issuing final instructions to trio speaker stated that last hearing would be held in the last week of this month or the first week of June and notices may be issued to the Independent MLAs.
Speaker also cautioned the independent MLAs that it would be final opportunity to be heard and present stand before the Vidhansabha Tribunal, If the MLA do not appear on the next date a decision would be prounced ex party.
It is worthwhile to mention that that Speaker’s directed the three Independent MLAs to appear twice, on May 4 and again on May 11 but they skipped the hearing on both the occasions.
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