SC allows KM Shaji to attend assembly sessions.
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court allowed the disqualified MLA of Azhikode, KM Shaji to attend the Kerala Assembly and sign the register.
The court, however, did not stay the High Court order, which had disqualified election of KM Shajia and barred him for 6 years from contesting elections.
Refusing to enter into the merit of the High Court order, the three-member bench presided by Justice A.K Sikri posted his petition to the last week of January for hearing.
The court made it clear that Shaji will not be able to cast his vote in the Assembly proceedings or draw salary.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for KM Shaji argued that High Court had no authority to disqualify the MLA; also, Shaji or his agent had no connection with the said pamphlets used for communal campaign.
Senior advocate V. Giri representing M. V Nikesh Kumar argued against staying the High Court order.
The Kerala High Court on November 9 disqualified KM Shaji’s election on a petition filed by CPI(M) candidate in the Azhikode constituency.
In his petition, journalist Nikesh Kumar alleged that Shaji distributed pamphlets appealing to Muslim voters.
