11 MLAs case: Speaker Dhanapal conducts online inquiry for 3 hours

The Supreme Court recently directed the Speaker to decide on the issue that has been kept pending for more than three years.

The case dates back to 2017, when Deputy CM O Panneerselvam, along with 11 MLAs, voted against Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami violating the whip issued by the AIADMK.

However, after the merger of Panneerselvam and Palaniswami factions, the AIADMK has been unable to take a decision and the matter was left to be decided by the speaker.

“On Thursday, the Speaker conducted an inquiry for around three hours and our counsel Raja Senthur Pandian explained our stand,” disqualified MLA Parthiban, who is also petitioner in the case, told DT Next.

“I attended the inquiry and the Speaker asked to present my views through my counsel. We have been punished just for petitioning the Governor against the CM, but those who voted against the CM are enjoying power. But we are confident that the truth will win as our case has the merits under natural law of justice,” Parthipan added.

It may be noted that the Supreme Court had recently sought responses from P Dhanapal and others, including assembly secretary, on a plea of DMK in the case.

It had contended that by voting against the trust motion, these MLAs violated the whip issued by the ruling party and hence attracted disqualification under the anti-defection law.

However the AIADMK has maintained that the party has not issued any ‘official whip’.