Supreme Court To Hear Petition By Sunil Singh Over MLC Membership Revocation

The Supreme Court will hear on January 9 the petition filed by Sunil Singh, who lost his membership in the Bihar Legislative Council (MLC) for making derogatory remarks against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Ranjit Kumar presented their arguments regarding the case, as the court examined the legality of the decision to expel Singh from the council.

Supreme Court’s Petition Challenges MLC Membership Revocation

In the petition, Sunil Singh, a close associate of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, challenges the decision of the Speaker to revoke his MLC membership. Singh was accused of making derogatory statements, including a caricature of Nitish Kumar, which led to the Ethics Committee of the Legislative Council recommending disciplinary action.

Legal Arguments By Senior Advocates In Supreme Court

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Sunil Singh, argued that the Election Commission cannot deny the possibility of holding elections while a case is pending. Singhvi further stated that there are exemptions to freedom of expression, particularly when members are within the House. He emphasized that if members face permanent expulsion, the House would be left empty.

In response, Senior Advocate Ranjit Kumar argued that Singh’s behaviour went beyond acceptable limits, with Singh having mimicked Nitish Kumar. The bench, led by Justice Suryakant, acknowledged that humour plays a role in politics but also emphasized the importance of respect and dignity. Justice Suryakant noted that Singhvi’s extensive experience in the matter was evident but reiterated that respect in political discourse should always be upheld.

Allegations And Disciplinary Action

The controversy stems from remarks made by Sunil Singh during the Governor’s address on February 13, 2024, where he allegedly made indecent comments about Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. JDU MLC Bhishma Sahni complained to the Ethics Committee, which subsequently investigated the matter.

The Ethics Committee, chaired by Professor Ramvachan Rai, submitted its findings to the Legislative Council Chairman, confirming the allegations and recommending disciplinary action.

Singh, who had been absent from the council’s previous four sessions, did not provide any response to the allegations during his fifth appearance. His behaviour, according to the council, was deemed unparliamentary and contrary to democratic principles.

Sunil Singh’s legal team now seeks redressal in the Supreme Court, as the bench will hear the matter on January 9. The court’s decision will have significant implications not only for Singh’s case but also for the broader interpretation of freedom of expression within legislative bodies.

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