Karnataka: SC upholds disqualification of MLAs, but allows to contest December bypolls

Bangalore, November 13: In a much awaited decision, the Supreme Court today upheld the disqualification of 17 Congress-JD(S) MLAs in Karnataka but allowed them to contest the December 5th by-polls.

 

A three-judge bench of Justices N V Ramana, Sanjiv Khanna and Krishna Murari said that if elected in the by-polls, these disqualified MLAs can become Ministers or hold public office. The bench deprecated the manner in which the disqualified MLAs directly approached it without first moving the high court.

The court struck down the portion of the Speaker's order by which the legislators were disqualified till the end of the 15th Karnataka Assembly. The apex court's verdict paved the way for the disqualified MLAs to contest the December 5th by-polls in Karnataka.

The court said its verdict is based on facts and circumstances of the case and does not interfere in the Speaker's power to disqualify members. The top court passed the verdict on petitions filed by these disqualified MLAs.

Karnataka Chief Minister B.S.Yediyurappa has welcomed the Supreme Court decision, which allows the disqualified MLAs to contest the December 5 by-election in the State. 

Hailing the top court order, BJP State President Nalin Kumar Kateel said that the election date has already been announced and the party would convene a meeting to discuss the future course of action.