New Delhi, 7 November: The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission while hearing the petition filed against the cancellation of the membership of the UP Legislative Assembly of SP leader Azam Khan. A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud has directed to file the reply by November 9.
During the hearing, the court asked advocate Garima Prasad, appearing for the UP government, to bring the instructions of the state government. The court asked Garima Prasad what’s the hurry and Azam Khan be given time to breathe. Garima Prasad referred to a decision, then the court said that at least enough time should be given to go to the court. They are convicted and the seat is declared vacant the very next day, will it be done to all the members, the court asked.
Senior advocate P Chidambaram, appearing for Azam Khan, said the seat was declared vacant the very next day after the trial court’s decision and the date for the by-poll would be fixed on November 10.
Azam Khan was sentenced to three years in jail by the trial court of Rampur in the inflammatory speech case on October 27. The very next day after the sentencing, Azam was declared disqualified and the seat was declared vacant. After that a press note was issued, which indicated that the schedule of the by-election for the vacant seat would be announced on November 10, 2022.
