Bengaluru: Dashing the hopes of Janata Dal (S), Speaker K.B. Koliwad maintained on Friday that it would be difficult for him to act on its petition demanding disqualification of seven of its legislators for cross-voting in the last Rajya Sabha poll before the next RS poll of March 23.
“There is a lot of procedure involved such as hearing of arguments of both parties and recording of their statements. Under these circumstances it will be difficult for me to dispose of the disqualification petition before the biennial election to the Rajya Sabha from the state Legislative Assembly scheduled for March 23,” Mr Koliwad told Deccan Chronicle.
Denying there had been a delay in disposing of the disqualification petition, Mr Koliwad said advocates representing both parties had been arguing their respective cases before him, but their statements had not yet been recorded. "I don’t think it's possible to complete the procedure before March 23,” he said.
Asked about JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda hinting at moving the high court over the delay in completing the inquiry into the matter, Mr Koliwad said no court could question any action of the Speaker, who was custodian of the Legislative Assembly as well as presiding officer of the duly elected body. “They (JD-S) are free to go to any court on the pending disqualification plea, but I will give my ruling only after completion of the due procedures,” he said.
The Speaker’s stance has rekindled the Congress’ hopes of ensuring victory of its third candidate in the RS poll with the help of JD(S) rebels. Even if JD(S) goes to court, Constitutional experts believe it may not like to intervene as it could be seen as interference by the judiciary in matters concerning the legislature.
