Chennai: The Madras High Court, on Thursday, upheld the Tamil Nadu Speaker’s decision of disqualifying the 18 rebel AIADMK MLAs, thereby bringing a sigh of relief to EK Palaniswami-led state government.
It may be recalled that 18 MLAs supporting the Sasikala-Dhinakaran faction had expressed a lack of confidence in Chief Minister E Palaniswami. They were disqualified by Speaker of the House P Dhanapal on June 14, under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution.
The rebels had later moved a petition in the HC challenging the decision of the Speaker. This restrained the Election Commission from declaring their seats vacant.
While the AIADMK called the decision as a ‘correct lesson for the traitors and victory of the democracy’, TTV Dinakaran said that it was not a setback. “This is an experience, we will face the situation. The future course of action will be decided after meeting with the 18 MLAs.”
In the 234-member Assembly, two seats are vacant, including that of late DMK chief M Karunanidhi. The current strength of the Tamil Nadu Assembly is 216. While AIADMK has 116 MLAs, including the Speaker, the Opposition has 98 MLAs.
