Despite their continued absence from the Rajya Sabha, nominated members, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and actor Rekha, do not qualify for disqualification as they have not violated any rule, Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien said on Friday.
Both the celebrated members were nominated in April 2012. Since then, Mr. Tendulkar has attended the house only for three days. The last he attended the House was on December 13, 2013.
Ms. Rekha’s record is somewhat better. She has attended the House for seven days. The last she came to the House was on February 19, 2014.
"As per the rules (Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business), if a member is absent from meetings of either house of Parliament without permission for a period of 60 days, the house may declare his/her seat vacant," said Kurien.
"Both the members have not been absent for more than 60 days and, therefore, have not violated any rule."
"The absence of Sachin Tendulkar is around 40 days at present and that of Ms. Rekha is less than that. In both the cases, there has been no violation of the provisions," he added.
He was giving his ruling in the House on the issue of their absence raised by CPI(M) member P. Rajeeve during the Zero Hour.
The member said it was a "serious matter" that he had raised. He wanted to know if they had sought permission for it.
The permission of the House has to be taken for grant leave to any member who abstains for more than two months.
'Medical emergency kept me away'
Meanwhile, Mr. Tendulkar said he had to stay away from the House because his brother had to undergo surgery. "My absence in Delhi has become a major issue. I don't mean to disrespect any institution. I wanted to be here in Delhi but my brother (Ajit) had to undergo surgery. Some things are best kept private," he said.
