Munirathna’s legislative membership under threat?

Bengaluru: The noose tightens around MLA Munirathna, with his legislative membership now hanging in the balance. Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil has written to Speaker U.T. Khader, seeking Munirathna’s suspension from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

The letter highlights the MLA’s use of “highly indecent and offensive language” which Minister Patil described as “morally degrading and unacceptable in a democratic system.” He has urged the Speaker to exercise his constitutional authority to take rare and decisive action by suspending Munirathna.

Patil also referenced a 2005 precedent when 17 MPs were disqualified by then-Speaker Somnath Chatterjee for a cash-for-questions scandal, suggesting that Karnataka should follow the same standard in handling misconduct within its legislative body.

This isn’t the first time a Karnataka legislator has faced allegations of misconduct. The infamous KGF MLA Sampangi bribery case is still fresh in public memory, with Patil emphasizing the need for strict action against such acts.

Call for a New Code of Conduct

Minister Patil has also proposed the formation of an “Ethics Committee” to regulate inappropriate behavior by MLAs both inside and outside the House. He has recommended the immediate creation of rules to curb such misconduct, calling for tough disciplinary measures through this committee.