Order on AAP MLAs proof of independent judiciary: BJP

New Delhi: The Delhi BJP put up a brave face on Friday, saying it respects the high court’s order of setting aside the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs in the office-of-profit case. The party asserted that it was a unique proof of the independence of the judiciary.

The Delhi BJP was at the forefront of demanding the disqualification of the AAP MLAs for holding posts of parliamentary secretaries to ministers of the party’s government.

Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said that the Election Commission (EC) should definitely give a proper re-hearing to the MLAs. However, it should be noted that the court has not absolved the MLAs from the charge of having benefited from holding office of profit.

“We welcomed the directions of the high court and the Election Commission in the past. Similarly, we respect the new decision. It is a unique proof of the independence and freedom of the judiciary in the Indian democracy,” Mr Tiwari added.

On Friday, the Delhi high court set aside the EC’s decision to disqualify the 20 AAP MLAs in the office-of-profit case and directed the poll body to hear the matter afresh. Terming the EC’s recommendation on the disqualifications vitiated, the high court said that there was violation of natural justice as no opportunity for oral hearing was given to the MLAs before disqualifying them as legislators of the Delhi Assembly.