Punjab’s Governor Banwarilal Purohit has penned a letter to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, expressing deep concern over the conviction of cabinet minister Aman Arora and has called for a comprehensive report on the matter.
The letter highlighted that the court convicted Aman Arora for two years on December
21, 2023, and emphasized that the conviction remains unchallenged in a higher court. Referring to a Supreme Court ruling in the Lilly Thomas vs. Union of India case, it underscored that legislators lose their membership upon a conviction with a minimum two-year imprisonment by a trial court.
Governor Purohit stressed the need for a detailed report, stating that the situation involves the serious matter of non-compliance with directives from the Supreme Court. He cited the unfolding events around Arora’s conviction and subsequent participation in Republic Day activities, questioning the ethical and legal implications of such actions by a disqualified legislator.
Additionally, Purohit’s letter pointed out the controversy regarding Arora’s participation in hoisting the National Flag on Republic Day. It highlighted concerns that assigning symbolic representation of the nation to a disqualified lawmaker not only undermines the legal system’s sanctity but also sends a disconcerting message to the public.
Moreover, earlier correspondence from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan demanded the immediate disqualification of Arora.
The letter referenced the landmark ‘Lily Thomas v Union of India (2013)’ case, asserting that the Supreme Court’s ruling invalidated provisions allowing convicted lawmakers to delay disqualification by filing appeals. As per this directive, SAD urged prompt disqualification of Arora as an MLA, stressing the need for immediate notification to this effect.