Senior lawyer Vishnu Jain (Left), Asaduddin Owaisi, MP and leader of AIMIM (Right)
A formal complaint has been filed before the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, seeking the disqualification of Asaduddin Owaisi, Member of Parliament (MP) and leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM). The complaint, lodged by senior advocate Hari Shankar Jain, invokes Articles 102 and 103 of the Indian Constitution, which outlines the grounds for the disqualification of MPs.
The complaint centers on Owaisi’s alleged display of allegiance to a foreign entity. According to the complaint, after taking his oath in Parliament today, Owaisi raised the slogan “Jai Palestine,” which has been described as controversial and provocative. He also reportedly chanted “Allahu Akbar” following the “Jai Palestine” slogan.
Palestine, which is not officially recognised as a country by the Indian Government, is considered a contentious region, and the complainant argues that it is “a piece of land occupied by radicals.” The allegations suggest that Owaisi’s actions constitute a violation of the stipulations that prohibit MPs from showing allegiance to any foreign country.
Hari Shankar Jain, contends that Owaisi’s actions warrant his disqualification under Article 102 and 103 of the Constitution. Article 102 provides for disqualification on grounds such as holding an office of profit under the Government, being of unsound mind, being an undischarged insolvent, or not being a citizen of India or voluntarily acquiring citizenship of a foreign state. Article 103 stipulates that any question regarding the disqualification of MPs shall be decided by the President in consultation with the Election Commission.
Owaisi’s slogans have sparked protests across the country, with many criticising his actions as unpatriotic and inflammatory. Protesters and critics have labeled Owaisi as a “radical MP,” arguing that his conduct is unbecoming of a Member of Parliament and that it undermines India’s sovereignty and secular fabric.
As of now, there has been no official response from Asaduddin Owaisi or his party, AIMIM. The President’s office has also not issued any statement regarding the complaint. The next steps involve the President referring the matter to the Election Commission for its opinion, as required under Article 103.
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