The Delhi High Court on Friday has requested a response from the Speaker’s office regarding a plea from MLA Kartar Singh Tanwar, who is challenging his disqualification from the legislative assembly.
Justice Sanjeev Narula issued a notice to the Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly and scheduled further hearings for December 9.
Tanwar, who secured a seat in the Chhatarpur constituency as an Aam Aadmi Party candidate in 2020, was disqualified by Speaker Ram Niwas Goel on September 24 under the anti-defection law. The lawmaker left AAP and joined the BJP in July, alongside another MLA, Raaj Kumar Anand.
Senior advocate Jayant Mehta, representing Tanwar, argued that the disqualification order was “cryptic” and “non-speaking,” claiming it was made hastily without giving Tanwar a chance for a personal hearing.
He stated that the disqualification had hindered Tanwar’s ability to perform his duties and impeded ongoing development work.
The petition, filed by lawyers Neeraj and Satya Ranjan Swain, seeks to overturn the September 24 order disqualifying Tanwar from the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
In addition to the Speaker, the petition names MLA Dilip Kumar Pandey, who had filed the complaint that prompted Tanwar’s disqualification in August. The court has also issued a notice to Pandey, requesting his response to the plea.
In his application, Tanwar expressed that his initial motivation to join AAP stemmed from the ‘India Against Corruption’ movement.
However, he criticized the party, stating that “one after the other scams” have tarnished its reputation and “unmasked the true faces of the leaders.”
As the case unfolds, it highlights significant issues surrounding party loyalty and the implications of the anti-defection law within the political landscape of Delhi. The upcoming hearings will provide further clarity on the legal arguments and potential outcomes of Tanwar’s challenge.
