The Hindu : National : Ethics panel for expulsion of SP member

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Wednesday, Mar 01, 2006

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National

Ethics panel for expulsion of SP member

Gargi Parsai

NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha Ethics Committee has recommended the expulsion of Samajwadi Party member Swami Sakshiji Maharaj but gave the benefit of doubt to Bahujan Samaj Party member Isam Singh who featured in the ``Operation Chakravyuh'' on misuse of MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) funds aired on television on December 19.

The Committee suggested that the agency that laid the trap, Dedicated Investigative Guild (DIG) and Star News be referred to the Privileges Committee for not disclosing their sources and not obeying its orders.

The Ethics Committee also took cognisance of a complaint filed by Mr. Singh with Rajya Sabha Chairman against the channel for breach of privilege and contempt of House for associating his name along with other MPs who allegedly accepted commission in recommending works under the MPLAD scheme.

The Committee noted in its 32-page report tabled in the Rajya Sabha that Sakshiji Maharaj had expressed ``regrets and displayed a feeling of shame,'' but held that his conduct amounted to violation of the Code of Conduct. ``It is immaterial whether any money changed hands and whether any commission was actually paid or not. The facts and circumstances of the case leave no doubt that the member has not only committed gross demeanour and compromised the dignity of the House but has acted in a manner which is inconsistent with the standards expected of members.''

The Committee held that the member had contravened the Code of Conduct and ``since his conduct had brought the House to disrepute he had forfeited his right to continue as a member.'' It recommended that he be expelled from the membership of the House.

On Mr. Isam Singh, it noted that the charges of misconduct and breach of Code of Conduct could not be ``sustained.'' However, it expressed its displeasure at the manner in which he engaged himself in a ``long drawn conversation with the fictitious NGO,'' instead of refusing in the first instance the offer of bribe/commission aggressively and unambiguously.

To expose the nexus between corrupt middlemen/contacts and MPs, the Committee had sought the cooperation of DIG and Star News. However, the two declined to share information. Therefore, the Committee holds that DIG and Star News seem to have committed contempt of the House with relating to `contacts' in respect of Sakshi Maharaj.''

The Committee had earlier recommended expulsion of Chhattrapal Singh Lodha who was involved in the cash-for questions scam and was subsequently expelled from the House.

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