Bound to decide on MLAs’ disqualifications first: Karnataka Speaker in SC

Karnataka Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar, who had refused to decide on the resignations by rebel legislators yesterday, told the Supreme Court on Friday that he was constitutionally bound to decide on the disqualification petitions before he takes a call on the resignation letters. He also alleged that the legislators had resigned to avoid disqualification.

‘Two of the 10 MLAs had resigned after disqualification proceedings commenced…. Eight sent resignations before disqualification proceedings but did not appear in person with resignation letter,” Abhishek Singhvi, who is representing Karnataka Speaker in the top court told a bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi.

Singhvi also underscored that the law and constitution made it clear that the Speaker could not merely accept the resignations and had to ascertain if resignations were genuine.

“MLAs handed over a fresh letter yesterday. The meeting was video graphed, it shows the MLAs have admitted they never gave resignation personally to him, admitted never met him or sought any appointment to meet him,” he added.