Bhubaneswar: A day after Orissa High Court
declared election of Independent MLA Ramesh Rout as null and
void, opposition Congress today raised question on legality of
the "member" attending assembly proceedings.
The issue was raised by Congress member Santosh Singh
Saluja during zero hour when he saw Rout in his seat. "How can
Rout attend the house after the High Court order", Saluja said
drawing attention of speaker Pradip Kumar Amat.
Amat, however, had yesterday informed the House that
his office was yet to receive any communication from the High
Court regarding Rout`s disqualification.
Though Rout left the House yesterday after the HC order,
he attended question hour today and later left on his own.
Meanwhile, Rout filed a petition in the High Court
seeking a 10-week stay on operation of the order nullifying
his membership as he wanted to approach the Supreme Court.
Rout, in prayer, said that he should be allowed to attend
the assembly`s crucial budget session.
Admitting Rout`s petition, the HC posted the matter to
be taken up on Monday.
The issue was again raised by Congress chief whip
Prasad Harichndan who stated that Rout ceased to be a member
the moment the HC pronounced its order. "The HC`s order was
effective from 10.35 am on June 23, 2010, the moment order was
passed," Harichandan informed the House.
Despite knowing that he was no more an MLA, Rout
attended the House today and even signed on attendance sheet.
"Therefore, he is liable to pay penalty of Rs 500 for
violating the law," he said seeking a ruling from the chair.
Speaker Amat, however, reserved his ruling.
PTI
