Kohima, October 23 (MExN): The Office of the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) today maintained that it is “equally anxious to dispose of all pending issues expeditiously and is in no way deliberately delaying the process.”
One of the reasons for the pendency of the disqualification petition in its office was “the unfortunate demise of the Petitioner (Kiyanilie Peseyie) himself,” which rendered the proceedings pointless, clarified the Speaker, Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, in a press release. Kiyanilie Peseyie passed away on September 27.
According to the Speaker, the petition for disposal of “Disqualification Petition within seven days received on 25.09.17, has been disposed off with the ruling that the stipulation of seven days for disposal time is only for specific cases.”
The seven-day period is applicable only for an MLAs against whom disqualification is sought and had earlier asked for condonation, not for general petitions which require procedure of offering reasonable opportunity and time to the parties concerned, he maintained.
He further informed that “petitions received for impleading Yitachu, MLA, as co-petitioner” on October 3 and also another fresh petition have been filed by same MLA praying for disqualification of 36 MLAs on October 3 “are being examined” and orders will be issued as soon as possible.
“The said Petitions are being examined and Orders will be issued in accordance with the provisions of law, particularly the Members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on ground of Defection) Rules, 2003 as soon as possible.”
Dr. Imtiwapang further stated that the request for recognizing MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu as “Leader of the NPF Legislature Party dated 31st July, 2017 received on 07.08.2017 is under reference for legal opinion.”
Another letter by Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu appointing MLA Yitachu as the Chief Whip for the Legislature Party of NPF, the Speaker said was received only on October 16, he said.
“It is under examination keeping in view the developments in the Election Commission’s dealing with the Party issue and the Whip Case registered as W.P. (C) NO. 138 (K) 12017 filed by the Petitioners themselves.”
The Speaker will perform his duty in accordance with the provisions of Law and must not be pressurized for hasty decision by any one as the decisions have serious bearings on the people the legislators are representing, added Dr. Imtiwapang.
In the light of these clarifications, the Speaker further requested the NPF Youth Wing to call off its agitation.
