The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked Parliament to examine the power of the Speaker in deciding pleas seeking disqualification of lawmakers noting that he also belonged to a political party.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice RF Nariman said it was time that parliament have another look at the rationale behind which all powers for disqualification were vested with the speaker who, despite holding office, continued to be a member of a political party.

The court’s suggestion came on a plea filed by Congress leaders seeking disqualification of BJP lawmaker and Manipur Forest Minister Th Shyamkumar. The court further asked the Manipur Assembly Speaker to decide within four weeks on the disqualification of Shyamkumar.

The bench also granted the liberty to the Congress leaders, Fajur Rahim and K Meghachandra if the Speaker fails to take a decision within four weeks.

—India Legal Bureau