Himachal Pradesh Bill Seeks to Cease Pensions for Disqualified Members

A proposed amendment in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly aims to stop pensions for members disqualified under the anti-defection law. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu introduced the bill. Six Congress MLAs were recently disqualified for violating party directives, leading to the proposed change to uphold democratic values.

A significant bill was introduced in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday, aiming to halt the pensions of members disqualified under the anti-defection law.

The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Allowances and Pension of Members) Amendment Bill 2024 was tabled by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. According to the bill, 'A person shall not be entitled for pension under the Act if he has been disqualified at any point of time under the tenth schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law)'.

Earlier this year, six Congress MLAs were disqualified under the anti-defection law for defying a party whip during the budget session. While two, Sudhir Sharma and Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, regained their seats through by-elections, the others failed to be re-elected. These MLAs had also supported BJP nominee Harsh Mahajan in the upper house elections on February 27.

The amendment seeks to fill a gap in the 1971 Act, aiming to discourage defections, uphold the mandate of the people, and protect democratic principles.

(With inputs from agencies.)