Assembly Ethics: The Boundaries of Power

In a firm stance, Kerala's Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan on Tuesday declared that the Assembly's Ethics Committee does not possess the authority to expel or disqualify legislators solely based on accusations. This announcement came as he addressed questions regarding a complaint lodged by a ruling party MLA seeking the disqualification of Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who faces charges in several sexual assault cases.

Satheesan pointed out that disqualifying legislators accused of criminal offenses is not within the committee's powers. He emphasized that expulsion can only occur if a court delivers a conviction, citing past instances like Left MLA Antony Raju, who was disqualified after a 1990 drug case conviction. According to Satheesan, the opposition stands united against any premature disqualification moves by the Ethics Committee.

The controversy arises as Mamkootathil, representing the Palakkad seat, undergoes legal scrutiny, having been arrested and later bailed in connection with a rape case. Despite being accused, it's clear that formal disqualification can only follow court convictions, reinforcing the opposition's view that the Assembly cannot overstep its legal boundaries.