The Election Commission Of India(ECI) has recommended that 20 Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) MLAs embroiled in the office of profit case be disqualified.
The ECI has forwarded its recommendation to the President. If the President accepts the recommendation, Delhi will see a mini-assembly election with 20 seats up for grabs in the 70-member House.
Initially, 21 MLAs were named in the case. The number came down to 20
after Rajouri Garden MLA Jarnail Singh resigned to contest against
Parkash Singh Badal in the Punjab Assembly elections.
In 2015, AAP had suspended Cabinet Minister Asim Ahmed Khan and the following year, it sacked another minister Sandeep Kumar who was embroiled in a sex scandal. In the AAP cabinet reshuffle, Kapil Mishra rebelled against the party after he was sacked. AAP MLA from Rajouri Garden quit his post to contest the Punjab Assembly elections but the AAP failed to win the bypoll. After this, the number dropped from 67 MLAs to 63. After the disqualification of 20 MLAs, the AAP’s strength will reduce to 42.
The EC decision comes days before Achal Kumar Joti retires as the Chief Election Commissioner. Interestingly, the OP Rawat, the next Chief Election Commissioner, had decided to recuse himself from hearing all AAP related issues. This came after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal questioned his impartiality in a media interview in April, 2017.
The option before AAP is to challenge the Election Commission ruling in the higher court. In August 2017, the Delhi High Court had refused to entertain AAP MLAs' plea for staying the Commission's order upholding maintainability of the petition.
The ground on which the High Court had quashed was that since EC's proceedings on hearing the central issue of whether the MLAs had indeed held 'office of profit' were yet to begin, there was no scope for a stay.
The issue in front of the Election Commission was whether the office of Parliamentary Secretary in the GNCTD, 1991 constitutes an ‘office of profit’. Article 191 of the Constitution has not defined what is an ‘office of profit’ which has paved the way to the Courts to lay down the law
The entire issue came into existence when on March 13, 2015, the Arvind Kejriwal government passed an order appointing 21 MLAs as Parliamentary Secretaries. This was challenged by Advocate Prashant Patel who petitioned President Pranab Mukherjee on June 19, 2015, that these MLAs were now holding ‘office of profit’ and should be disqualified.
The Delhi Legislative Assembly, then passed the Delhi Member of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) ( Amendment Bill ), 2015 excluding Parliamentary Secretaries from “ office of profit’ with retrospective effect.
However, the President withheld assent to the amendment bill and referred the matter to the Election Commission.
If the 20 legislators are disqualified, it will not affect Aam Aadmi Party’s majority in the 70-seat Delhi Assembly. The party has 66 legislators in the Assembly.
What is an 'office of profit'?
What is the issue?
On 13th March 2015, the AAP government passed an order appointing 21 MLAs as Parliamentary Secretaries. This was challenged by Advocate Prashant Patel who petitioned President Pranab Mukherjee that these MLAs should be disqualified. The Delhi Legislative Assembly, then passed the Delhi Member of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) ( Amendment Bill), 2015 excluding Parliamentary Secretaries from “ office of profit’ with retrospective effect. However, the President withheld assent to the amendment bill and referred the matter to the Election Commission. Interestingly, the Delhi High Court heard a writ petition challenging the very appointment of 21 Parliamentary Secretaries by the Delhi Chief Minister and quashed it. The issue in front of the Election Commission is whether the office of Parliamentary Secretary in the GNCTD,1991 constitutes an ‘ office of profit’. Article 191 in the Indian Constitution has not defined the term ‘office of profit’, therefore paving the way for courts to lay down the law.
What is the status now?
Following notices by the Election Commission, the 21 AAP MLAs have given their reply in writing-- seeking, additionally, a personal hearing which was turned down. Advocate Prashant Patel has also submitted his rejoinder to the replies of AAP MLAs. The President will have to sign on the decision taken by EC, a quasi-judicial body.
What are the options before the 21 AAP MLAs?
If the Election Commission decides that the office of Parliamentary Secretary is not an ‘Office of Profit’, then the seats of 21 MLAs are safe.
If the Election Commission decides that the ‘Office of Parliamentary Secretary’ is indeed an ‘office of profit’ and recommends disqualification, the 21 seats will fall vacant with effect from the moment the President signs on it paving the way for by-elections.
The 21 AAP MLAs have two options: (a) choose not to contest the decision and prefer fight elections again (b) Contest the decision in a Court and try to win a stay on the Election Commission’s order.
Who are the 21 AAP MLAs whose fate hang in balance?
Adarsh Shastri- Dwarka; Alka Lamba- Chandni Chowk; Anil Vajpayee- Gandhi Nagar; Avtar Singh- Kalkaji;Jarnail Singh- Rajouri Garden; Jarnail Singh- Tilak Nagar; Kailash Gehilot- Najafgarg; Madan Lal- Kasurba Nagar; Manoj Kumar- Kondli ; Naresh Yadav- Mehrauli ; Nitin Tyagi- Laxmi Nagar; Praveen Kumar- Jangpura; Rajesh Gupta- Wazirpur; Rajesh Rishi- Janakpuri; Sanjeev Jha- Burari; Sarita Singh- Rohtas Nagar; Som Dutt- Sadar Bazar; Sharad Kumar- Narela; Shiv Charan Goel- Moti Nagar; Sukhbir Singh- Mundka; Vijendar Garg- Rajinder Nagar.
What is Advocate Prashant Patel’s plea before the President?
According to Article 191 of the Constitution and section 15 of the GNCTD Act, 1991 a person shall be disqualified for being a member of the Legislative Assembly if he holds any office of profit.
Delhi Assembly has not enacted any law that excludes ‘Parliamentary Secretary’ post from the ‘Office of Profit’ category. The one introduced later with retrospective effect is mala fide.
The appointment of these 21 MLAs as Parliamentary Secretary is unconstitutional and illegal and therefore they should be disqualified from Delhi Legislative Assembly membership.
What is the reply of AAP MLAs to the Election Commission?
Complainant has suppressed the fact that in the State of Delhi, the position of Parliamentary Secretary is 'honorary' in nature and no financial benefits are attached to it.
No facilities such as official space, vehicle, staff for office, residential accommodation, technical devices, travelling allowance or any additional emoluments / re-imbursement of any nature is being given to the MLAs in their capacity as Parliamentary Secretary.
The veracity and legality of the order 13th March 2015 is sub judice and is being considered by the High Court and, it would be in the fitness of things to await the decision in the said matter before the arguments in the present case is heard.
The law laid down in the judgment in Dr Deorao Laxman Anande Vs Keshav Laxman Borkar AIR 1958 Bom 314 interpreting Article 191 (a) notes that the post cannot be regarded as office for the following reasons:
(a) non- remunerative and without a dedicated salary unlike ministerial posts.
(b) No perks attached to the post / appointment
(c) No dedicated office or office support systems designated
(d) No exclusive responsibilities or functions , with the sole purpose being to assist the Minister-in-charge for any assistance he may need in connection with his work for the govt.
(e) No exclusive prerogative to tender opinion on any subject of governance , or authority to execute ministerial work given.
(f) No access to documents of information meant for the exclusive domain of the
What is the rejoinder of petitioner Prashant Patel?
The 13th March 2015 order of the Delhi Government appointing 21 Parliamentary Secretaries also declared that the Parliamentary Secretaries‘ may use government transport for official purpose and office space in the Minister’s office would be provided to them. Rooms were allotted to Parliamentary Secretaries though not in the minister’s room but in the Assembly.
Patel has said that the Parliamentary Secretary is a wholly unrecognized and non-existent post in Delhi and MLAs who have been appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries have become holders of office of profit as they have been extended the facility of government transport, room, office space etc.
According to the petitioner, their appointment is a violation of Section 15 of the Government of NCT of Delhi Act 1991 which provides for disqualification of a member of he holds any office of profit.
Patel posed the question that if the position of Parliamentary Secretary is ‘not an office of profit’ then why did the Delhi government hurry to introduce a bill in the Assembly aimed at excluding office of parliamentary secretary from the ambit of ‘office of profit’.
Did previous governments in Delhi have Parliamentary Secretaries?
Yes. Parliamentary Secretaries were appointed to the Chief Minister. During the time of Lt Sahib Singh Verma, then BJP MLA Nand Kishore Garg was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary.
During the Sheila Dixshit term, the then Congress MLAs M Sharma, PS Sawhney, Ajay Maken were appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries
Do other states have Parliamentary Secretaries?
Yes. Currently, 11 other states have Parliamentary Secretaries including Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka.
In the states of Himachal, West Bengal and Goa, the appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries has been challenged and, significantly these appointments have been annulled by the High Courts of respective states. The appointment o fParliamentary Secretaries has also been challenged in the High Court of Punjab and Haryana where the High Court is yet to deliver its order.
The ECI has forwarded its recommendation to the President. If the President accepts the recommendation, Delhi will see a mini-assembly election with 20 seats up for grabs in the 70-member House.
List of 20 AAP MLAs who have been disqualified
| S.No. | MLA | Constituency | Ministry/Department |
| 1 | Adarsh Shastri | Dwarka | I&T |
| 2 | Alka Lamba | Chandni Chowk | Tourism |
| 3 | Anil Vajpayee | Gandhi Nagar | Health |
| 4 | Avtar Singh | Kalkaji | Gurdwara elections |
| 5 | Kailash Gehilot | Najafgarg | Law |
| 6 | Madan Lal | Kasurba Nagar | Vigilance |
| 7 | Manoj Kumar | Kondli | Food and Civil Supplies |
| 8 | Naresh Yadav | Mehrauli | Labour |
| 9 | Nitin Tyagi | Laxmi Nagar | Women and Child and Social Welfare |
| 10 | Praveen Kumar | Jangpura | Education |
| 11 | Rajesh Gupta | Wazirpur | Health |
| 12 | Rajesh Rishi | Janakpuri | Health |
| 13 | Sanjeev Jha | Burari | Transport |
| 14 | Sarita Singh | Rohtas Nagar | Employment |
| 15 | Som Dutt | Sadar Bazar | Industries |
| 16 | Sharad Kumar | Narela | Revenue Ministry |
| 17 | Shiv Charan Goel | Moti Nagar | finance |
| 18 | Sukhbir Singh | Mundka | Languages & Welfare of SC/ST/OBC |
| 19 | Vijendar Garg | Rajinder Nagar | PWD |
| 20 | Jarnail Singh | Tilak Nagar | Development |
In 2015, AAP had suspended Cabinet Minister Asim Ahmed Khan and the following year, it sacked another minister Sandeep Kumar who was embroiled in a sex scandal. In the AAP cabinet reshuffle, Kapil Mishra rebelled against the party after he was sacked. AAP MLA from Rajouri Garden quit his post to contest the Punjab Assembly elections but the AAP failed to win the bypoll. After this, the number dropped from 67 MLAs to 63. After the disqualification of 20 MLAs, the AAP’s strength will reduce to 42.
The EC decision comes days before Achal Kumar Joti retires as the Chief Election Commissioner. Interestingly, the OP Rawat, the next Chief Election Commissioner, had decided to recuse himself from hearing all AAP related issues. This came after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal questioned his impartiality in a media interview in April, 2017.
The option before AAP is to challenge the Election Commission ruling in the higher court. In August 2017, the Delhi High Court had refused to entertain AAP MLAs' plea for staying the Commission's order upholding maintainability of the petition.
The ground on which the High Court had quashed was that since EC's proceedings on hearing the central issue of whether the MLAs had indeed held 'office of profit' were yet to begin, there was no scope for a stay.
The issue in front of the Election Commission was whether the office of Parliamentary Secretary in the GNCTD, 1991 constitutes an ‘office of profit’. Article 191 of the Constitution has not defined what is an ‘office of profit’ which has paved the way to the Courts to lay down the law
The entire issue came into existence when on March 13, 2015, the Arvind Kejriwal government passed an order appointing 21 MLAs as Parliamentary Secretaries. This was challenged by Advocate Prashant Patel who petitioned President Pranab Mukherjee on June 19, 2015, that these MLAs were now holding ‘office of profit’ and should be disqualified.
The Delhi Legislative Assembly, then passed the Delhi Member of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) ( Amendment Bill ), 2015 excluding Parliamentary Secretaries from “ office of profit’ with retrospective effect.
However, the President withheld assent to the amendment bill and referred the matter to the Election Commission.
If the 20 legislators are disqualified, it will not affect Aam Aadmi Party’s majority in the 70-seat Delhi Assembly. The party has 66 legislators in the Assembly.
What is an 'office of profit'?
If an MLA or an MP holds a government office and receives benefits
from it, then that office is termed as an "office of profit
A person will be disqualified if he holds an office of profit under the central or state government, other than an office declared not to disqualify its holder by a law passed by Parliament or state legislature.
How things stand in other states
West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee government appointed 24 parliamentary secretaries for "coordination between government departments". Kolkata HC called it unconstitutional. Matter pending in SC. Posts currently non-functional
Karnataka: Karnataka government appointed 11 MLAs and MLCs as parliamentary secretaries. Says posts not equivalent to minister of state and they are only assistants to ministers. Case pending in HC
Rajasthan: Rajasthan government has 10 parliamentary secretaries who enjoy status of ministers of state. Passed a bill in October 2017 to give them constitutional validity, which has been challenged in HC
West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee government appointed 24 parliamentary secretaries for "coordination between government departments". Kolkata HC called it unconstitutional. Matter pending in SC. Posts currently non-functional
Karnataka: Karnataka government appointed 11 MLAs and MLCs as parliamentary secretaries. Says posts not equivalent to minister of state and they are only assistants to ministers. Case pending in HC
Rajasthan: Rajasthan government has 10 parliamentary secretaries who enjoy status of ministers of state. Passed a bill in October 2017 to give them constitutional validity, which has been challenged in HC
Odisha:
Odisha appointed 20 MLAs as chairpersons of district planning
committees in 2016 and gave them minister of state status by amending an
Act. DPCs get vehicles and secretarial staff, but don't draw extra
salary
Telangana: Telangana appointed six MLAs as parliamentary secretaries in
2014 and gave cabinet status by enacting law. Hyderabad HC quashed
appointments in June 2016
Northeast:
Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh have 26 parliamentary secretaries each.
After SC held law enacted by Assam in 2004 unconstitutional, other NE
states discontinued the posts. Eleven parliamentary secretaries resigned
Manipur, seven in Mizoram. Meghalaya HC, too, held Meghalaya
Parliamentary Secretaries Act "invalid", 17 resigned
Haryana and Punjab: Punjab and Haryana HC set aside appointment of four MLAs as chief parliamentary secretaries in July 2017. HC had struck down appointments of 18 Punjab MLAs as CPSs by SAD-BJP government in Punjab on similar grounds. Even SC had refused to stay the order
Haryana and Punjab: Punjab and Haryana HC set aside appointment of four MLAs as chief parliamentary secretaries in July 2017. HC had struck down appointments of 18 Punjab MLAs as CPSs by SAD-BJP government in Punjab on similar grounds. Even SC had refused to stay the order
Why 20 Aam Aadmi Party Lawmakers Stand To Disqualify In 'Office Of Profit' Case
What is the issue?
On 13th March 2015, the AAP government passed an order appointing 21 MLAs as Parliamentary Secretaries. This was challenged by Advocate Prashant Patel who petitioned President Pranab Mukherjee that these MLAs should be disqualified. The Delhi Legislative Assembly, then passed the Delhi Member of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) ( Amendment Bill), 2015 excluding Parliamentary Secretaries from “ office of profit’ with retrospective effect. However, the President withheld assent to the amendment bill and referred the matter to the Election Commission. Interestingly, the Delhi High Court heard a writ petition challenging the very appointment of 21 Parliamentary Secretaries by the Delhi Chief Minister and quashed it. The issue in front of the Election Commission is whether the office of Parliamentary Secretary in the GNCTD,1991 constitutes an ‘ office of profit’. Article 191 in the Indian Constitution has not defined the term ‘office of profit’, therefore paving the way for courts to lay down the law.
What is the status now?
Following notices by the Election Commission, the 21 AAP MLAs have given their reply in writing-- seeking, additionally, a personal hearing which was turned down. Advocate Prashant Patel has also submitted his rejoinder to the replies of AAP MLAs. The President will have to sign on the decision taken by EC, a quasi-judicial body.
What are the options before the 21 AAP MLAs?
If the Election Commission decides that the office of Parliamentary Secretary is not an ‘Office of Profit’, then the seats of 21 MLAs are safe.
If the Election Commission decides that the ‘Office of Parliamentary Secretary’ is indeed an ‘office of profit’ and recommends disqualification, the 21 seats will fall vacant with effect from the moment the President signs on it paving the way for by-elections.
The 21 AAP MLAs have two options: (a) choose not to contest the decision and prefer fight elections again (b) Contest the decision in a Court and try to win a stay on the Election Commission’s order.
Who are the 21 AAP MLAs whose fate hang in balance?
Adarsh Shastri- Dwarka; Alka Lamba- Chandni Chowk; Anil Vajpayee- Gandhi Nagar; Avtar Singh- Kalkaji;Jarnail Singh- Rajouri Garden; Jarnail Singh- Tilak Nagar; Kailash Gehilot- Najafgarg; Madan Lal- Kasurba Nagar; Manoj Kumar- Kondli ; Naresh Yadav- Mehrauli ; Nitin Tyagi- Laxmi Nagar; Praveen Kumar- Jangpura; Rajesh Gupta- Wazirpur; Rajesh Rishi- Janakpuri; Sanjeev Jha- Burari; Sarita Singh- Rohtas Nagar; Som Dutt- Sadar Bazar; Sharad Kumar- Narela; Shiv Charan Goel- Moti Nagar; Sukhbir Singh- Mundka; Vijendar Garg- Rajinder Nagar.
What is Advocate Prashant Patel’s plea before the President?
According to Article 191 of the Constitution and section 15 of the GNCTD Act, 1991 a person shall be disqualified for being a member of the Legislative Assembly if he holds any office of profit.
Delhi Assembly has not enacted any law that excludes ‘Parliamentary Secretary’ post from the ‘Office of Profit’ category. The one introduced later with retrospective effect is mala fide.
The appointment of these 21 MLAs as Parliamentary Secretary is unconstitutional and illegal and therefore they should be disqualified from Delhi Legislative Assembly membership.
What is the reply of AAP MLAs to the Election Commission?
Complainant has suppressed the fact that in the State of Delhi, the position of Parliamentary Secretary is 'honorary' in nature and no financial benefits are attached to it.
No facilities such as official space, vehicle, staff for office, residential accommodation, technical devices, travelling allowance or any additional emoluments / re-imbursement of any nature is being given to the MLAs in their capacity as Parliamentary Secretary.
The veracity and legality of the order 13th March 2015 is sub judice and is being considered by the High Court and, it would be in the fitness of things to await the decision in the said matter before the arguments in the present case is heard.
The law laid down in the judgment in Dr Deorao Laxman Anande Vs Keshav Laxman Borkar AIR 1958 Bom 314 interpreting Article 191 (a) notes that the post cannot be regarded as office for the following reasons:
(a) non- remunerative and without a dedicated salary unlike ministerial posts.
(b) No perks attached to the post / appointment
(c) No dedicated office or office support systems designated
(d) No exclusive responsibilities or functions , with the sole purpose being to assist the Minister-in-charge for any assistance he may need in connection with his work for the govt.
(e) No exclusive prerogative to tender opinion on any subject of governance , or authority to execute ministerial work given.
(f) No access to documents of information meant for the exclusive domain of the
What is the rejoinder of petitioner Prashant Patel?
The 13th March 2015 order of the Delhi Government appointing 21 Parliamentary Secretaries also declared that the Parliamentary Secretaries‘ may use government transport for official purpose and office space in the Minister’s office would be provided to them. Rooms were allotted to Parliamentary Secretaries though not in the minister’s room but in the Assembly.
Patel has said that the Parliamentary Secretary is a wholly unrecognized and non-existent post in Delhi and MLAs who have been appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries have become holders of office of profit as they have been extended the facility of government transport, room, office space etc.
According to the petitioner, their appointment is a violation of Section 15 of the Government of NCT of Delhi Act 1991 which provides for disqualification of a member of he holds any office of profit.
Patel posed the question that if the position of Parliamentary Secretary is ‘not an office of profit’ then why did the Delhi government hurry to introduce a bill in the Assembly aimed at excluding office of parliamentary secretary from the ambit of ‘office of profit’.
Did previous governments in Delhi have Parliamentary Secretaries?
Yes. Parliamentary Secretaries were appointed to the Chief Minister. During the time of Lt Sahib Singh Verma, then BJP MLA Nand Kishore Garg was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary.
During the Sheila Dixshit term, the then Congress MLAs M Sharma, PS Sawhney, Ajay Maken were appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries
Do other states have Parliamentary Secretaries?
Yes. Currently, 11 other states have Parliamentary Secretaries including Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka.
In the states of Himachal, West Bengal and Goa, the appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries has been challenged and, significantly these appointments have been annulled by the High Courts of respective states. The appointment o fParliamentary Secretaries has also been challenged in the High Court of Punjab and Haryana where the High Court is yet to deliver its order.
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