Bhokta to hear JVM-P defection case on August 21

RANCHI: Exercising his power in the capacity ofa quasi-judicial officer, speaker Shashank Shekhar Bhokta held his court on the assembly campus here on Saturday and heard arguments of both sides in the matter of defection.
Turning down the prayer of MLAs for 15 days’ time to respond, he slated August 21 as the next date of hearing.
Five JVM (P) MLAs Samresh Singh, Jai Prakash Bhokta, Nirbhay Shahbadi, Foolchand Mandal and Chandrika Mahatha joined BJP without tendering resignation from the primary membership of the party.
Construing this as an act of defection, JVM (P) president Babulal Marandi had petitioned the Speaker seeking action under the 10th schedule of the Indian constitution.
Appearing on behalf of the respondents (the five MLAs) advocate Arwind Kumar Lal prayed for 15-days time to come up with a detailed reply on part of his clients.
“My clients have informed the election commission and are waiting for a direction. We sought time from the Speaker’s Court so that a proper reply could be given,” Lal said.
Petitioners counsel R N Sahay said while joining another party, MLAs voluntarily give up membership of the legislative assembly. “This case is perfect to be dealt under defection laws and we have moved Speaker’s Court to seek justice,” he said.
Bhokta said he wanted to give sufficient time to the MLAs to present their side.
“Maybe they come up with some new information. Even if there is a clear-cut case of defection, natural justice demands that every accused be given enough opportunity to explain the action and circumstances,” he said.
Bhokta said that he was not willing to prolong hearing of the case so he allowed five days for next hearing.
“It is not necessary that the final orders would be served immediately and the Speaker’s court would honour judicial processes,” he said.