Kerala LOP: Ethics Panel Lacks Power to Disqualify MLAs Over Accusations

• Kerala Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan stated the Assembly's Ethics Committee cannot disqualify a legislator based solely on accusations.
• Satheesan's comments came in response to a CPI(M) MLA's complaint seeking disqualification of expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, accused in sexual assault cases.
• The opposition maintains that neither the Legislative Assembly nor the Ethics Committee has the power to expel a member.
• Satheesan emphasized that being an accused is insufficient for membership cancellation; only a court conviction, like in the Antony Raju case, leads to automatic disqualification.
• He questioned the logic of the complaint, noting many legislators face various cases, and the Assembly cannot exercise powers it legally lacks.

Why It Matters: Kerala LOP V D Satheesan asserts the Ethics Committee cannot disqualify MLAs based on mere accusations.