Speaker summons four MLAs for disqualification hearing

IMPHAL, January 13: Speaker S Dhananjoy has issued summon notices to the four ruling MLAs against whom the Opposition have submitted supplementary application seeking their disqualification to the Speaker, to appear in person at 11 am of January 15at his office chamber to submit their comments and replies. Four Opposition MLAs - M Okendra, K Ranjit, Kh Loken and L Kerani had moved supplementary applications to the Speaker seeking disqualification of ruling MLAs Hangkhanpao, Onjamang Haokip, S Chandra and Md Allaudin on January 10. They are among the seven ruling MLAs against whom the Speaker has kept his judgement reserved in the disqualification case. The order issued through the Assembly secretary yesterday said that the MLAs could submit written replies in addition/support of their verbal replies. It however said that no further adjournment of the MLAs personal appearance and/or submission of written reply on the date mentioned shall be granted under any circumstances. The order further mentioned that the replies will be taken into consideration by the Speaker while deciding the cases pending against the MLAS. It also stated if the MLAs fail to submit their replies, it shall be deemed that they have no comments to the supplementary facts of the applications. Meanwhile, a short drama ensued at the Babupara quarters of MLA K Tomba when Assembly Secretariat messenger came to despatch the Speaker's orders. Sources from the MLA's quarters said that some persons came yesterday evening at his office and tried to hand over the order concealed in an envelope. It was however not taken as the MLA was absent. The persons came to the MLA's quarter today. The occupants of the quarter declined to accept the letter as the MLA was away with his family at Kwakta. However, the persons came back again at around 4.30 this evening bringing and pasted the envelope on the wall near the entrance of the quarters.