HC asks BJP MLA, AAP's Alka Lamba to resolve issue

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked BJP MLA O.P. Sharma, suspended for two sessions from the Delhi Assembly for derogatory remarks against AAP's Alka Lamba, and the ruling party lawmaker to amicably resolve the issue and appear before it on June 9.

Sharma had moved the high court to challenge the lLegislative assembly resolution suspending him for two sessions.

Hearing the plea, Justice Manmohan Singh asked both leaders to be present in court on Thursday with an open mind and said he will talk to them to help resolve the issue between them.

The Delhi Assembly had passed a resolution on March 31 against Sharma after an Ethics Committee probe recommended his expulsion for making derogatory remarks against Lamba during the winter session.

The next assembly session is to begin on June 9.

Senior advocate Sudhir Nandrajog, appearing for Delhi Assembly, said Sharma had made derogatory remarks against a woman and he was given several chances to express regret on his remarks but had refused.

In his plea, Sharma said the Ethics Committee's decision was "wrong and biased" because all nine members of the committee were Aam Aadmi Party members.

"Each of the proceedings before Ethics Committee was not only arbitrary and biased, but was conducted in a malafide manner, contrary to the principles of natural justice, to target petitioner (Sharma)," read the petition.

"Sharma participated in the Ethics Committee proceedings. However, the members of the Ethics Committee were adamant that the petitioner only submit an unconditional apology. His explanations were neither considered nor appreciated," the plea added, while seeking direction to permit him to attend the legislative assembly session.

--IANS

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