SC stays disqualification of 6 Himachal Pradesh parliament secretaries, CM hails 'relief'

NEW DELHI: In a relief to CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Himachal Pradesh govt, SC on Friday stayed the initiation of disqualification proceedings against six MLAs who were appointed as chief parliamentary secretaries in 2023.

A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar stayed the findings of the Himachal Pradesh HC that held as illegal and unconstitutional the protection from disqualification granted to the MLAs for being chosen as chief parliamentary secretary (CPS) and parliamentary secretary under a state law and cleared the way for initiation of disqualification proceedings as MLAs for holding office of profit.

Following the stay of SC, though the six MLAs will not hold the post of CPS, they will not be disqualified as members of the legislative assembly.

The bench said it was not staying the entire Nov 13 judgment of HCbut only paragraph 50 of the verdict that paved way for the initiation of disqualification proceedings of the MLAs.

SC further made it clear to the Sukhu govt to not make any further appointment of chief parliamentary secretaries or parliamentary secretaries saying "it will be contrary to law".

The bench sought the response of BJP leader Kalpana Devi, who has moved HC challenging the appointment of chief parliamentary secretaries along with several other BJP functionaries.

Sukhu welcomed SC decision to stay a HC order to initiate disqualification proceedings against six MLAs appointed as CPS. "The relief granted by SC is significant, and we will now deliberate on the next steps after considering all legal aspects," he said. TNN & PTI


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