Sachin, Rekha have not been absent in RS for more than 60 days: P J Kurien

Rules state that any member absent for more than 60 days may declare their seat vacant

Despite their continued absence from the Rajya Sabha, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and actor Rekha, both members of the upper house, have not violated any rule, deputy chairman P J Kurien said Friday.

According to Kurien, both the members have not been absent for more than 60 days and, therefore, have not violated any rule.

"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.

"The absence of Tendulkar is around 40 days at present and that of Rekha is less than that. In both the cases, there has been no violation of the provisions," he added.

Both the members were nominated to the Rajya Sabha in April 2012. While Tendulkar has attended just three sittings so far, Rekha has been present at seven.

Tendulkar has not attended a single meeting this year -- his last appearance being on Dec 13, 2013, informed Kurien. Rekha last attended the house on Feb 19, 2014.

Kurien's response came after CPM MP P. Rajeev raised the question of Tendulkar and Rekha's lack of participation in the meetings of the house.