Summary:
The poll panel submitted that the legislators had “willfully and deliberately” abstained from participating in the proceedings before the poll panel. The ECI, however, said the defence of violation of principles of natural justice was not available to the MLAs in the present case. “However, it’s a matter of fact that the MLAs herein gave only illusory responses,†the ECI’s counsel Amit Sharma contended. The ECI said it afforded the MLAs ample opportunity to come and participate in several hearings, which clearly demonstrated and proved that the principles of natural justice have been duly complied with and adhered to. The Election Commission of India (ECI) today told the Delhi High Court that the 20 disqualified AAP MLAs in an office-of-profit case were afforded ample hearing by it and there was no violation of the principle of natural justice as they had “willfully and deliberately” abstained from participating in the proceedings..