Kerala MPs approach High Court to grant entry to Lakshadweep

Kerala's MPs, both left and Congress representatives, has approached the High Court to grant entry to Lakshadweep as they have been denied entry to the islands again.

The representatives have written to the LokSabha Speaker about the unusual demands by the Lakshadweep administration and seeking an explanation from administrator Praful Patel.

MP AM Ariff from Alappuzha constituency said that the denial is a breach of privilege for a people's representative, said a report by Telegraph India. The delegation of MPs has filed a breach of privilege motion.

Seven MPs of Kerala's ruling left parties were denied entry and were asked to produce good conduct declarations from a sponsor signed before a notary or a magistrate. The good conduct declaration is a condition used for migrant labourers applying for jobs. Some were also told that they cannot visit due to Covid-19 restrictions on the island, reported The News Minute.

The MPs of Left parties are on a fact-finding mission after a series of allegations against Administrator Patel for making controversial reforms made headlines.

The Congress MPs were told that their visit will lead to unrest among islanders. Applications of Congress MPs Hibi Eden and TN Prathapan were denied on the ground that their visit was for "political activities" and can disturb the peaceful environment of the islands, reported ANI.

Left MPs Elamaram Kareem, BinoyViswam, M V Shreyams Kumar, V Sivadasan, K Somaprasad, and John Brittas have filed a breach of privilege motion in the RajyaSabha. Left MP A M Ariff and Congress MP Thomas Chazhikkadan have given a similar notice to the LokSabha Speaker.

Lakshadweep Additional District Magistrate S Asker Ali said in the order that visits of Kerala MPs are part of attempts to instigate local people, political parties, activists, and social workers. He alleged that the political parties and leaders from the mainland have been trying to turn islanders against the Administration's actions.

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