AAP Leader Sanjay Singh Denied Rajya Sabha Oath Despite Court Orders for Permission
When an MP is unable to take the oath, it impacts their ability to fulfill their legislative duties, including participating in debates and representing their constituents.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh, recently re-elected to the Rajya Sabha, faced hurdles in taking his oath due to ongoing legal and parliamentary issues. Despite being under suspension since July 24, 2023, and facing arrest and charge-sheeting in a money laundering case related to the Delhi Excise policy, a Delhi court permitted Singh to take his oath while in judicial custody on February 3.
Following the court's directive, Singh attended Parliament on February 5, complying with Special Judge M.K. Nagpal's order. The judge extended Singh's judicial custody until February 17 and instructed the jail superintendent to ensure his presence at Parliament for the swearing-in ceremony with adequate security measures. However, Singh was not allowed to address the press during this time.
The delay in administering the oath drew criticism from opposition leaders, with Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien lamenting Parliament's state, labeling it a "deep dark chamber." Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj K. Jha also expressed disappointment, highlighting Singh's deprivation of oath-taking despite court instructions.
Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar's office clarified that Singh wasn't summoned for oath-taking due to the House's directive, continuing his suspension until the Privileges committee submits its findings. This directive, issued on August 11, 2023, regardless of its relevance to Singh's previous term, prevented him from participating in House proceedings until the committee's report.
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When an MP is unable to take the oath, it impacts their ability to fulfill their legislative duties, including participating in debates and representing their constituents. Additionally, the absence of an MP may affect parliamentary vote dynamics, potentially altering the balance of power in decision-making processes.
