Karunaas seeks Speaker’s removal in plea

“I invoke Rule 68 of the Tamil Nadu State Legislative Assembly Rules under section Article 179(C) of the Constitution for the removal of P Dhanapal from the office of Speaker of the Tamil Nadu State Legislative Assembly,” he stated in the petition submitted to the Secretary, State Legislative Assembly.

Karunaas’ surprise move comes following media reports claiming that Dhanapal had decided to send notice to the MLA and three others seeking explanation for their alleged anti-government activities.

The petition was submitted to the Secretary by Alagiri, Karunaas’ advocate. According to Article 179(C) of the Constitution, a 14-day notice had been served and Karunaas had requested the office of the Assembly to include the resolution in the list of business for the leave of the house, in order to move the said resolution in the Assembly, when convened.

Speaking to DT Next, Alagiri said that when the house commences, the petition would be taken up and if 35 MLAs support the petition, it would be taken up for investigation. However, once the petition against the Speaker was submitted, he cannot initiate suspension action against any MLA and if it is initiated, it will be struck down by court, Alagiri added.