The Election Commission has recommended the disqualification of Samajwadi Party member Jaya Bachchan from the Rajya Sabha.
The recommendation has been forwarded to President APJ Abdul Kalam under provisions of Article 103 of the Constitution, where the President decides -- in consultation with the EC -- whether a sitting member has incurred disqualification.
Last year, Kalam had sought the EC's opinion on a petition filed by one Madan Mohan Shukla, a resident of Kanpur, seeking Bachchan's disqualification from the Rajya Sabha on the grounds that she held an office of profit as chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Film Development Board. The petitioner claimed that as chairperson of the board, Bachchan enjoyed the status of a cabinet minister, including salary and perks.
Following the petition, the EC had in October issued notices to Bachchan and Shukla. Sources said after hearing both Shukla and Jaya, the EC recommended Bachchan's disqualification to the president last week.
EC officials said under Article 103 the president was bound by the commission's recommendation.
Bachchan said the move was politically motivated and she might move the Supreme Court against her disqualification.
Kalam is also believed to have forwarded a complaint to the EC seeking the disqualification of SP General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh on the grounds that he holds an office of profit. Singh is the chairperson of the UP Development Council.
{{/usCountry}}Kalam is also believed to have forwarded a complaint to the EC seeking the disqualification of SP General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh on the grounds that he holds an office of profit. Singh is the chairperson of the UP Development Council.
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