Disqualification dispute: MLA gets fresh blow

The High Court has admitted the petition filed by Indian National Congress party pleading to disqualify its former Valpoi MLA Vishwajit Rane.

The High Court at the same time has rejected the preliminary objection raised by Vishwajit Rane that his disqualification dispute should first be heard by the speaker of Goa legislative assembly.

Respondents speaker and protem speaker are yet to respond to the notice raised in this matter by the High Court, which has given four weeks' time to all the parties to file their replies and rejoinders.

The High Court observed that it finds scope for judicial review in this matter. Hence, it is admitting the petition for a detailed hearing. But the High Court said that the affidavit filed by Vishwajit Rane does not thoroughly address the contention raised by the petitioner. Hence, he has been given fresh opportunity to file his reply.

The Court has also directed the Election Commission of India to inform the court before declaring the date for by-polls for Valpoi constituency.

Vishwajeet had resigned as Congress MLA minutes after taking oath as an MLA in the legislative assembly. Later, he joined the BJP and currently, he is health minister of Goa in the Manohar Parrikar cabinet. His by-election is due along with that of Parrikar.