Disqualification of AAP MLAs approved

THE ALLEGATION : The AAP ( AAM AADMI PARTY ) MLAs were appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries .

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM IN IT ? The President in 2015, said being a parliamentary secretary was holding an office of profit and this invited disqualification.

WHY MLA MUST NOT HOLD OFFICE OF PROFIT ? a person shall be disqualified as a member of Legislative Assembly for holding any office of profit under the government of India or the government of any state- Article 191 (1) (a)

EXCEPTION - “other than an office declared by Parliament by law not to disqualify its holder”.

WHAT IS OFFICE OF PROFIT ? It is a position in the government which cannot be held by an MLA or an MP. The post can yield salaries, perquisites and other benefits. The origin of this term can be found in the English Act of Settlement, 1701 as it will influence his works.

WHAT IS ROLE OF PRESIDENT HERE ? Section 15(3) of the NCT act says in case of a dispute over disqualification of an MLA, the matter would be referred to the President, whose decision would be final.

JAIN PILGRIMAGE CENTER

NEWS : Shravanabelagola, the Jain pilgrimage centre, is set to welcome thousands for Mahamastakabhisheka, the head anointment of Gomateshwara statue, scheduled for February 17 to 26.

FACTS TO KNOW

WHERE IS SHRAVANABELAGOLA ? Shravanabelagola (Śravaṇa Beḷagoḷa) is a town located near Channarayapatna of Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka • It is 144 km from Bangalore, the capital of the state.

WHAT IS GOMATESHWARA ? The Gommateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola is one of the most important tirthas (pilgrimage destinations) in Jainism.

WHAT IS ITS KEY PROMINENCE ? It belongs to architectural and sculptural activity under the patronage of Western Ganga dynasty of Talakad.