Retain bungalow but forgo salary & perks for now, Sharad told

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed disqualified former Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav to retain his official bungalow but directed him to forgo his salary, allowances or perks entitled to him as a Member of Parliament.

Earlier, Yadav had obtained a favourable order from the Delhi High Court on December 15 last allowing him to retain his bungalow along with perks, salary and allowances till the pendency of his petition in HC challenging his disqualification.

Modifying this order on an appeal filed by JD(U) Rajya Sabha member Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, the Vacation Bench of Justices Adarsh K Goel and Ashok Bhushan allowed the former JD(U) president to retain just the official accommodation as MP for the time being.

Senior advocate S Guru Krishna Kumar, who appeared for Yadav, told the Court at the outset that he was ready to forgo his salary, allowances and perks but should be allowed to retain his official residence as his petition is pending in the Delhi HC.

The apex court too questioned the direction allowing Yadav get remuneration since he was disqualified by the Chairman of the Upper House pm December 4.

The Vacation Bench said, “We will modify the order of the high court directing payment of salary, allowances and perks. As far as official residence is concerned, that part we are not touching and he can stay there till the pendency of his petition,” the Bench said.

Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, who appeared for the petitioner, requested the Court to make Yadav vacate even his official bungalow. However, the bench did not agree.

A request was also made to the Court to expedite the proceedings before the High Court. But the Bench said, “Since on account of delay in proceedings the election to the vacant posts in case may be delayed, we request the high court to decide the writ petition at the earliest.” The matter is listed in the High Court on July 12.