MLA’s suspension: Court seeks assembly response

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Saturday sought the Delhi Legislative Assembly’s response on a plea of BJP MLA OP Sharma challenging his suspension for two sessions

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Saturday sought the Delhi Legislative Assembly’s response on a plea of BJP MLA OP Sharma challenging his suspension for two sessions for allegedly making derogatory remarks against AAP MLA Alka Lamba.

HT Image

Justice Manmohan Singh said, “The issue should have been resolved amicably in the Assembly itself.” He posted the matter for further hearing on July 28.

The court, meanwhile, directed that “counter-affidavit be filed by respondent no. 1 (Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi) within six weeks”.

During F rid ay’ sarguments, the Delhi government contended that Sharma has misled the court by saying he was thrice suspended for his comments against Lamba, a charge denied by him.

Sharma’s lawyer argued that the Assembly’s March 31 decision to suspend him was “patently illegal” as it infringed the freedom of speech privilege available to a legislator. His lawyer argued that the Delhi Legislative Assembly cannot be “immune” from being made a party.