Manipur Governor dismisses 'offices of profit' complaint against 12 BJP MLAs

IMPHAL: Manipur's Governor La Ganesan has finally dismissed the complaint against 12 BJP party MLAs by fellow MLA D D Thaisii in accordance with the Election Commission's verdict regarding the matter.

"I, La. Ganesan, Governor of Manipur in exercise of the power conferred upon the Governor under Article 192 (I) of Constitution of India, read with the opinion data! 13.01.2021 of the Election Commission of India in Reference Case No. K(G) of 2021), do hereby declare that the following 12 (twelve) MLAs of the 11* Manipur Legislative Assembly have nut Incurred disqualification on the ground of office of profit under the provision of Article 191 of the Constitution of India. and as a result the said complaint dated 21.10.2020 filed by Shri D.D. Thaisii 13 dismissed accordingly," read the Governor's communique."

Karong MLA D D Thaisii and others had sought disqualification of 12 MLAs on the ground that they were holding the posts of Parliamentary Secretaries, which amounted to "offices of profit".

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Thaisii, had contended that the Governor cannot keep the decision pending and he was entitled to know the view.

The 12 BJP MLAs from Manipur were reportedly facing disqualification in a 2018 "office-of-profit" case for holding the position of parliamentary secretaries.

The MLAs were found not to be in violation by the EC as they had held the posts of parliamentary secretaries in the state under an exemption granted by two laws, the reports said.

Then governor Najma Heptulla had sought the EC's views on the matter in October last year.