Manipur court nullifies expulsion of spokesperson Chongtham Bijoy Singh from party

By

, ET BureauLast Updated: Nov 01, 2024, 09:22:00 PM IST

Synopsis

A court in Imphal West-I invalidated the expulsion of Ch Bijoy from the BJP. Bijoy was expelled in February 2022 without prior notice. The court found this action violated natural justice and the party's own rules. The BJP's failure to issue a show cause notice was cited. This ruling reaffirms the importance of due process in political organizations.

The Civil Judge Junior Division in Imphal West-I declared the expulsion order of spokesperson Ch Bijoy from the BJP as null and void.

Chongtham Bijoy Singh the petitioner had been a member of the BJP since 1994 and served as the chief spokesperson, was expelled for six years on February 8 in 2022, without any prior notice or opportunity to defend himself.

According to the petitioner, he was expelled from the party without any prior notice or opportunity to defend himself, violating principles of natural justice.

The defendant was represented by BJP’s state president A Sharda. The court found that expulsion has violated the principles of natural justice and the party’s own disciplinary procedures, which require a show cause notice and a chance to respond before any such action is taken. The court stated that the defendant failed to follow the necessary protocols outlined in the BJP’s constitution.

The counsel for the petitioner, N. Bupenda Meitei while talking to media persons underlined the importance of upholding members’ rights within political organisations and highlighted the court’s affirmation of due process.