Rebels challenge showcause notices: seek 7 days time to reply

The rebels, in an application filed through their counsels, questioned the three-day deadline set by the Speaker to reply to the showcause notice slapped on them on the basis of a complaint lodged by Yeddyurappa seeking their disqualification under provisions of Anti-defection law.

The Speaker had on October seven served the notices to 11 BJP MLAs, a day after they submitted a letter to Governor H R Bhardwaj, withdrawing support to the Yeddyurappa government which faces a trust vote on Monday.

Bopaiah had asked the rebels to reply to the allegations levelled against them before October 10 by five pm, an action that evoked criticism from opposition Congress, JD(S) and even the rebels.

The rebels, in their application, defended their action of withdrawing support to Yeddyurappa government, saying they were disillusioned with it after the government faced charges of corruption, nepotism and favouritism.

The withdrawal of support to the government does not attract the provisions of the anti-defection laws under 10th schedule of the constitution, they argued.Under the Karnataka Legislative Assembly (disqualification of a member on the ground of defection) rules 1986 and rule 6 and 7 (3), it is mandatory for providing a seven-day period for replying to any notice, the rebels said.

The MLAs also sought dismissal of the complaint lodged by Yeddyurappa.The Speaker, after hearing the counsels for the rebel MLAs, passed an order today asking the complainant (Yeddyurappa) to personally appear before him or through his counsel by 3.30 pm tomorrow.