New Delhi, Dec 08: A decision on an application by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee seeking disqualification of dissident leader and former minister Ajit Panja from Lok Sabha for "anti-party activities" is likely to be taken by Speaker Manohar Joshi soon. Confirming that the process of seeking disqualification in accordance with the rules of the House was over, Parliament sources, however, did not specify whether the decision would be taken before the Winter Session ends on December 19. This is the first application of such a nature in the present Lok Sabha constituted in 1999. In her application made to the Speaker in April this year, Banerjee had said that Panja had disobeyed the party whip, asking MPs to abstain from voting on the Prevention of Terrorism Bill (which later became Pota), by voting in its favour at the joint sitting of Parliament on March 26.

The application for disqualification is sent to the member concerned for his comments which are sent back to the party leader for its reaction. Then the Speaker takes a decision on the matter either on the basis of a recording or after a personal hearing. The Speaker could also send the matter to the Privileges Committee of Parliament. Bureau Report