Delhi HC denies interim stay on Sharad Yadav’s disqualification as Rajya Sabha MP

Opposition leaders in Rajya Sabha objected to the “illegal disqualification” of rebel Janata Dal (United) leaders Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar

The Delhi high court on Friday refused to pass any interim order seeking to stay rebel Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav’s disqualification as Rajya Sabha MP.

Rebel Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav. (File Photo)

Justice Vibhu Bakhru, however, allowed Yadav to draw allowances, perks and retain his bungalow as an MP, but restrained him from attending the Winter Session of Parliament. The session, which started on Friday, is scheduled to go on till January 5.

The court also sought the response of the Rajya Sabha chairman besides member Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, who is leader of the JD(U) in the Upper House, on Yadav’s plea.

The court has fixed the main petition for hearing on March 1 next year.

Yadav had moved the Delhi high court on Tuesday, arguing that he was not given any chance by Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu before passing an order against him and his party colleague and MP, Ali Anwar, on December 4.

The rebel leaders had protested against Janata Dal(U) president and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar’s decision to dump the Grand Alliance with RJD and Congress in Bihar and tied up with the BJP in July this year.

But Naidu said that there could not be any discussion on the Chair’s ruling.

“We are not challenging your ruling. But the facts given as ground for disqualification are not (plausible). Sharad Yadav has not defected from the Mahagathbandhan. It is Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his companions who have deserted the Mahagathbandhan. In fact, they should be disqualified,” leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said.