The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought response from the Bihar Assembly and State Government on a plea by five disqualified JD (U) MlAs, who cried hoarse over the sudden and arbitrary action against them for canvassing against the party’s Rajya Sabha nominees.
Dealing with the petition filed by the ousted MlAs known to be close to former CM Jiten Ram Manjhi, the bench headed by Justice TS Thakur issued notice on the petition which is fixed for hearing next on May 12. The bench is expected to decide whether in the facts of the case, the disqualification can be set aside or any interim relief could be granted.
Senior advocate KV Vishwanathan argued on their behalf that disqualification under Tenth Schedule of Constitution was not attracted since by proposing two candidates in place of party’s nominees they did not defect but only dissented over the selection of RS nominees from outside the state.