House allows M Karunanidhi to be absent from session

The resolution was moved by the Leader of the Opposition, MK Stalin, seeking permission of the House for Karunanidhi to be absent during ongoing session considering his illness. The business days of the current session had been scheduled till July 19. Stalin’s resolution seeking permission for absence was seconded by DMK Deputy Leader of Opposition Durai Murugan. 

Speaker P Dhanapal called for a voice vote. With no opposition from treasury benches, the resolution was adopted unanimously by the House. Karunanidhi remains in the close confines of his Gopalapuram residence since his return from the hospital in December 2016. The nonagenarian had last visited the Assembly following his election from his native district – Tiruvarur constituency in May 2016 Assembly polls.

Chapter V section 20(2) of the Assembly rule which pertains to leave of absence and vacation of seats, states that in case a member is absent from all meetings of the Assembly for 60 days, any member of the House may move that his seat be declared vacant, and such a motion shall be voted upon without amendment or debate.