Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain has formally requested President Draupadi Murmu to disqualify Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi for his controversial ‘Jai Palestine’ slogan during his Lok Sabha oath-taking, sparking nationwide debate and criticism.
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DELHI: Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain has filed a formal complaint with President Draupadi Murmu, seeking the disqualification of Asaduddin Owaisi, the Member of Parliament from Hyderabad. This move comes in response to Owaisi’s controversial slogan of ‘Jai Palestine’ during his oath-taking ceremony as a Lok Sabha member on Tuesday, which has sparked widespread debate and outrage.
Asaduddin Owaisi, who secured his fifth term as the MP from Hyderabad, took his oath in Urdu. Following the formalities, Owaisi raised several slogans including
“Jai Bhim, Jai Mim, Jai Telangana, and Jai Palestine.”
The slogan in support of Palestine, a region embroiled in long-standing conflict, immediately drew objections from the ruling party members, resulting in a tumultuous scene in the House. The Speaker subsequently ordered the removal of the slogan from the official record.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing his father and senior Supreme Court advocate Hari Shankar Jain, took to social media to announce the complaint. In a tweet, Jain stated-
” Shankar Jain has filed a complaint with the President of India under Articles 102 and 103 of the Constitution, seeking the disqualification of Asaduddin Owaisi from his position as a Member of Parliament.”
Understanding Articles 102 and 103
According to Article 102 of the Indian Constitution, a person is deemed ineligible for election as a member of either House of Parliament if they hold an office of profit under the Government of India or any State Government, have been declared mentally incompetent by a court, have been declared bankrupt, are not a citizen of India, or have accepted citizenship of another country. Additionally, any law passed by Parliament can also declare a person disqualified.
Article 103 empowers the President to decide on the eligibility of an MP upon receiving a complaint under Article 102. However, before making a decision, the President must consult the Election Commission of India.
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The complaint has intensified the political atmosphere, with many questioning the validity of Owaisi’s actions. In his defense, Asaduddin Owaisi addressed the media outside Parliament, stating-
“Other members have also expressed various slogans. I said Jai Bhim, Jai Mim, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine. How can this be deemed incorrect? What do the provisions of the Constitution say? The voices of others should also be considered. What did Mahatma Gandhi say about Palestine? It should be understood.”
Owaisi’s defense hinges on the argument that he merely expressed solidarity with various causes and that similar expressions have been made by other members without repercussions. He emphasized the need for equal treatment and the importance of historical perspectives on issues like Palestine, referencing Mahatma Gandhi’s stance.
The incident has polarized opinions across the political spectrum. Supporters of Owaisi argue that his slogans reflect his personal and political beliefs, which he has a right to express. Critics, however, contend that his actions during an official ceremony were inappropriate and potentially divisive.
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Protem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab, who was presiding over the session, clarified the procedural action taken, stating-
“Only the original text of Asaduddin Owaisi’s oath is being documented in the records.”