An amicable solution to the row between BJP MLA O. P. Sharma and AAP’s Alka Lamba is still awaited.
Both Mr. Sharma and Ms. Lamba appeared with their counsels in the Delhi High Court on Thursday, but despite efforts the issue remained unresolved.
The matter remains stuck on whether Mr. Sharma should apologise before the Assembly, or if both legislators should apologise to each other.
Justice Manmohan Singh took up the matter in his chamber, a day after he asked both legislators to come to the court “with an open mind”.
AAP MLA wants apology
On Thursday, Ms. Lamba had insisted that the BJP MLA apologise for his derogatory comment, while Mr. Sharma said he was ready to say sorry only if it was mutual.
After several rounds of discussions but no resolution, the matter was fixed for arguments on Friday.
“A unilateral apology is not going to happen. Ms. Lamba is also saying that he (Sharma) should apologise before the Assembly, but submitting to the jurisdiction of the Assembly is not possible as it has already taken its decision in suspending him from the next two sessions. That is what we have challenged in our petition,” said senior advocate Ama Lekhi on behalf of the BJP MLA.
Counsel speak
“Earlier, it was jointly agreed that both sides will withdraw their statements, but Ms. Lamba is now seeking a unilateral apology, which is not going to be there,” said Mr. Lekhi.
While Mr. Sharma stands suspended from the House for the next two sessions, he insisted that he was making a statement in response to Ms. Lamba’s ‘ nashe ke saudagar ’ comment.
On Wednesday, he had moved the High Court challenging his suspension from the next two sessions of the House, saying it was illegal and ultra vires. He said he was moving the court because he was keen on attending the session starting on Thursday.
