CHENNAI: The State Assembly on Tuesday granted exemption to DMK president M Karunanidhi from attending the budget session which began on June 14 since doctors had advised him complete rest till he recovered.
During the zero hour, Leader of Opposition, MK Stalin moved a resolution under rule 20 (1) of the Assembly in this regard seeking permission of the House. Deputy Leader of Opposition, Durai Murugan, seconded the resolution.
Speaker P Dhanapal said the resolution moved was in order and went for a voice vote. While the members of DMK, Congress and IUML supported the resolution with a big ‘aye’, ruling party members remained silent without objecting. As such, the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
A similar situation occurred six years ago. On February 7, 2011, during the DMK regime, the then Leader of Opposition, J Jayalalithaa was exempted from attending the House proceedings on health grounds. The then Deputy Leader of Opposition, O Panneerselvam moved a resolution stating that she was not well and doctors had advised her complete rest. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. R Avudaiappan was the then Speaker.
As per Rule 20 and Article 19 (4) of Constitution, any member can be disqualified if he/she fails to attend proceedings of the House once in 60 working days. Karunanidhi had signed the Assembly register on August 17, last year. However, there is a provision in the Assembly Rules that if any member obtains permission from the House for his/her inability to come to attend the proceedings on health grounds, the House can consider it.