Lok Sabha revokes Afzal Ansari's disqualification after SC order, but he can't attend House
Lok Sabha Secretariat on Thursday revoked the disqualification of BSP leader Afzal Ansari as a member of the Lower House after the Supreme Court conditionally suspended his conviction in a Gangsters Act case. While suspending his sentence in December last year, the apex court had said that Ansari will not be entitled to participate in House proceedings.
He shall also not have the right vote in the Lok Sabha or to draw any perks or monetary benefits.
Ansari's status as a lawmaker has been restored but with curtailed rights.
He will not be able to attend the forthcoming Budget Session of Parliament.
In a notification, the Lok Sabha Secretariat noted that the apex court had suspended the conviction of Afzal Ansari, who represented the Ghazipur seat of Uttar Pradesh in the Lok Sabha, subject to certain conditions.
«In view of order dated December 14, 2023 of the Supreme Court of India, the disqualification of Afzal Ansari (notified May 1, 2023)… has ceased to operate subject to the conditions imposed by the Supreme Court of India and further judicial pronouncement,» the notification said.
The top court had last month conditionally suspended the conviction of Ansari in a 2007 case under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986 saying his Ghazipur constituency will be deprived of its legitimate representation in the legislature since a by-election may not be held given the remaining tenure of the current Lok Sabha.
