In victory for AAP, Election Commission rejects office of profit case against 27 MLAs

The President signed the order dismissing the plea based on an opinion given by the Election Commission (EC) in July, a senior poll panel functionary said Thursday, PTI reported.

President Ramnath Kovind has dismissed a plea to disqualify 27 ruling Aam Admi Party MLAs of Delhi for allegedly holding office of profit by being appointed as chairpersons of Rogi Kalyan Samitis attached to various city hospitals.

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal during an event to raise funds for the party, at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi, on October 15, 2018. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

The order, which is based on the recommendation of the election commission, brings huge relief for AAP legislators, who will now continue to remain in their positions.

The President signed the order dismissing the plea based on an opinion given by the Election Commission (EC) in July, a senior poll panel functionary said Thursday, reports PTI.

The EC had found no merit in the plea.

Such pleas are sent to the President who forwards it to the EC. The EC then gives its opinion based on which the President has to issue orders.

According to an order issued by the Delhi government’s health and family welfare department on April 26, the ‘Rogi Kalyan Samitis’ (Patient Welfare Committees) are advisory in nature which will assist health facilities, develop and customise strategies among others.

It stated that each ‘Assembly Rogi Kalyan Samiti’ will be provided Rs 3 lakh per annum as grand-in aid.

(With agency inputs)