New Delhi : The Lok Sabha Secretariat published notification withdrawing the disqualification of Mohammad Faizal as MP. The reinstatement came a short time before the Supreme Court prepared to sit on hearing of Faizal’s plea challenging his disqualification.
Earlier, the Kerala High Court had annulled Kavaratti court verdict that ruled MP Mohammad Faisal as guilty in the attempted murder of a Congress worker during 2009 elections. case and the sentencing thereof. However despite two months into the High Court Stay, the Lok Sabha failed to repeal its disqualification of Faizal. The High Court Stay pertained to verdict of Kavaratti i Sessions Court that handed 10-year prison term for Faizal.
Soon as the Kavaratti High Court sentenced the MP, he had appealed against the guilty verdict. Even so, the Centre in great haste moved to disqualify his membership to Lok Sabha. Faizal also petitioned seeking to challenge the the press release the Election Commission issued announcing by-election for the Lok Sabha seat he had held.
Backdrop: NCP MP Mohammad Faisal was sentenced to imprisonment by the Kavaratti Sessions Court holding him guilty for clashes during the 2009 Lok Sabha elections in which a Congress worker was grievously injured. There were 32 accused in the case. On Jan 11, the first four accused were given prison sentences, including MP Faizal who received 10 years of jail.
Soon as verdict was pronounced, things took turn at an unusually fast pace. The Lok Sabha disqualified Faizal as its member following which, the Election Commission announced the -election on 18th.
