Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Nadendla Manohar plans to refer to the Joint Legislature Committee on Ethics, the offensive and communal remarks made by Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi recently in Nizamabad and Adilabad districts.
“I have received a lot e-mails and phone calls from people who have expressed their anguish at the utterances,” Mr. Manohar told The Hindu on Friday while taking a serious view of the remarks.
Some legislators also lodged a complaint against the MLA, who is under fire for his hate speeches in Nizamabad town and Nirmal. Separate cases have been filed in New Delhi, Nizamabad, Nirmal and Hyderabad against the MLA, who is away in London.
Asked whether he would forward the complaints to the Ethics Committee, Mr. Manohar said: “I am seized of the matter.” Mr. Manohar said he expected members to conduct themselves in a dignified manner and be more responsible in the work they do.
Under Rule 288 of the Rules of Procedure and conduct of Business in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the Ethics Committee examines unethical conduct of a member, both within or outside the House referred to it by the Speaker or the House or taken up suo motu .
The committee is at liberty to requisition the services of any agency for the purpose of investigation of complaints. It examines every complaint where prima facie case is established and submits its report to the House with such recommendations as it may deem fit.
Nizamabad Staff Reporter adds: Superintendent of Police Vikramjeeth Duggal informed that a case was registered under Sections 153, 153 (A) and 295 (A) of the IPC against the MIM in the Two Town police station based on the complaints received that he instigated communal sentiments and derogated feelings of other religions at the public meeting held on Khilla Road on Dec. 8. In a press release here, the SP said that the accused was served notice under Section 41 (A) of the CrPC asking him to appear before the investigating officer to give his explanation.
