The Speaker’s Tribunal of the Manipur Legislative Assembly on Friday admitted seven disqualification petitions against five MLAs who were originally elected on JD-U tickets but later defected to the BJP.
The MLAs in question are Kh Joykishan of Thangmeiband assembly constituency, Arunkumar of Wangkhei assembly constituency, Md Achab Uddin of Jiribam assembly constituency.
The other two are LM Khaute of Churachandpur assembly constituency and Ngursanglur Sanate of Tipaimukh assembly constituency from the Kuki group.
The tribunal has directed the five MLAs to file their counter affidavits within four weeks.
The petitions were filed by various individuals, including five from Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), vice-president Hareshwar Goshwami.
Additionally, M Dorendro and M Surjit filed separate petitions against Kh Joykishan.
The MPCC had originally filed these petitions on October 24, 2022. Expressing dissatisfaction over the delay, they highlighted that the petitions were listed only after two years in 2024, despite a Supreme Court directive to resolve such cases within three months.
Speaking to the media, MPCC spokesperson and Hareshwar Goswami’ counsel N Bupenda described the tribunal’s decision to admit the case as a positive step but expressed concern over the prolonged delay.
He emphasised the strength of the case and hoped for timely resolution.
The disqualification petitions stem from allegations of defection in violation of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with anti-defection laws.
