The split verdict of the Madras High Court on the disqualification of 18 legislators seems to have helped the ruling AIADMK in more ways than one as there is a view among certain sections that a decisive order from the High Court would have created an odd situation for the ruling camp.
They argue that if the disqualification had been upheld, it would have cleared the decks for byelections in the 18 Assembly constituencies, a scenario not palatable to the AIADMK at the present juncture.
And, had the court set aside Speaker P. Dhanapal’s action, it would have created a political crisis within the ruling party.
However, B.S. Gnanadesikan, a leader of the Tamil Maanila Congress and a senior advocate, says it is not proper to view judicial intervention in terms of political consequences as the court is not concerned with what would happen later politically.
He also points out that considering that “ifs” and “buts” characterise politics, one cannot take for granted that any clear-cut verdict of the court would have upset the present political equilibrium.
Babu Murugavel, AIADMK’s spokesperson and also an advocate, says that the court’s judgments should not be viewed politically. “We would have also been happy if the court had given us a decisive verdict. If there had been an order which was not expected, one would go in for further legal remedy. That is what any aggrieved party would do,” he added.
He justified Mr. Dhanapal’s decision as the rebels had attracted disqualification for their “acts of commission” and did not take steps to have their issues redressed through the party forum.
