Chennai: Facing an unfavourable order against them in Chennai, the 18 disqualified AIADMK legislators on Friday decided to approach the Supreme Court against the Madras High Court order upholding their disqualification by Assembly Speaker P. Dhanapal last year.
The MLAs gathered in Madurai to decide whether they could face the elections or go for an appeal against the court order by the third judge. The meeting started by around 10 am with two disqualified MLAs, including Vetrivel being absent for personal reasons.
Later, addressing the media, Thanga Tamilselvan, one of the disqualified MLAs and staunch loyalist of AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, said, “We have decided to file appeals against the High Court order. The decision was unanimous. Further, we hope our appeals will prove what Assembly Speaker has done is constitutionally wrong.”
Even as two MLAs were absent from the meeting, such a decision was taken unanimously, he stressed. Surprisingly, three other MLAs, who had also shifted their loyalties to the Dhinakaran camp were seen at the meeting. These three MLAs were heard speaking against ruling AIADMK government and in favour of the jailed former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's close aide, VK Sasikala and Dhinakaran.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Thanga Tamilselvan said, "Mainly, we took such decision so that all should know that the constitution is same for all. Further, the Assembly Speaker will learn a lesson and realise his mistakes." Why he (assembly speaker) failed to do the same, when current Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam parted ways with 11 MLAs, he questioned.
When asked about the absence of two MLAs, Tamilselvan said, "We are in touch with them. One disqualified MLA was unwell and the other was in Chennai. Absence did not mean that we were not in touch with them."
Tamilselvan went on to say that even they were ready face elections even if the case was going on in the Supreme Court. Both sides - AIADMK chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami camp and AMMK Dhinakaran's group had been hoping that a good verdict would land on their laps. The verdict favoured the EPS-led government.
The earlier bench, including then Chief Justice Indira Banerjree, gave a split verdict and the case was referred to a third judge, Justice Sathyanarayanan.
The judge also vacated the interim orders passed by the court earlier granting a stay on a floor test and a direction to the Election Commission not to declare the seats of disqualified legislators vacant.
