Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Faizal was disqualified from the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, a day after the Kerala high court rejected his plea to suspend his conviction in an attempt to murder case.
“In view of order dated 03.10.2023 of the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala, Shri Mohammed Faizal P.P., Member of Lok Sabha representing the Lakshadweep Parliamentary Constituency of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction, i.e. 11th January, 2023,” a statement issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat said.
Also Read: Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Faizal disqualified from Lok Sabha over attempt to murder case
Under Section 8(3) of the Representation of Peoples Act 1951, a sitting legislator who is convicted for an offence and sentenced to a punishment of two or more years stands disqualified from the date of conviction and for a further period of six years unless they can get the order of conviction suspended.
This came after Kerala High Court declined to suspend the conviction of Lakshadweep Member of Parliament (MP) in an attempt to murder case dating back to 2009.
He was first disqualified as an MP on January 11 this year, following his sentencing to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh by a sessions court in Kavaratti.
Also Read: Setback for Lakshadweep MP in attempt to murder case as SC sets aside conviction stay order
His disqualification was briefly revoked on March 29, after the Kerala High Court suspended his conviction and sentencing. However, the Supreme Court later set aside the High Court’s order, terming it “erroneous”.
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, Faizal continued to serve as an MP temporarily, with the top court emphasising that there should not be any vacuum in the representation of the Lakshadweep Lok Sabha constituency in Parliament.
However, following the recent refusal of the Kerala High Court to suspend his conviction, Faizal stands disqualified from the Lok Sabha once again. The Lok Sabha now has five vacancies.
(With inputs from PTI)