Even as Kedar’s disqualification evoked sharp reactions from the Congress, local BJP functionaries welcomed the action.Congress politicians questioned the government and the legislature as to why same urgency was not shown when elected representatives from the saffron party and its allies were convicted.
A gazette notification issued by legislature secretary Jitendra Bhole mentioned that the former minister from Saoner was convicted under various IPC sections by the court of chief judicial magistrate (CJM), who awarded him a sentence of five years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 12.5 lakh on Friday.
“Sunil Chhatrapal Kedar stands disqualified for being a member of the Maharashtra legislative assembly from the date of his conviction (December 22), in terms of the provisions of Article 191 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Therefore, in accordance with sub-clause (a) of clause (3) of Article 190 of the Constitution, his MLA seat has become vacant from the same date,” the notification said.
Kedar’s lawyer Deven Chauhan said his client would move the sessions court on Tuesday after it reopens to challenge CJM Jyoti Pekhle-Purkar‘s ruling. “We will seek suspension of the sentence and grant of bail. If the conviction is stayed, then only Kedar’s disqualification can be revoked,” he told TOI.
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