Mallya's Expulsion Will Send Out a Strong Message: RS Ethics Panel

The Ethics committee of the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday recommended the expulsion of business tycoon Vijay Mallya with immediate effect.

The ethics panel report, accessed by CNN-News18, said that though the panel was divided over the issue, it ruled that through stern action against Mallya, a message would reach the general public that Parliament is committed to take steps against erring members.

The committee has also said that considering the gravity of the misconduct, sanction not less than termination of membership is warranted.

Meanwhile, Mallya wrote to the ethics committee, saying, "My alleged dues to the banks do not tantamount to causing or likely to cause any obstructions to the legislative function and hence can't be the basis of expulsion."

He added, "Ethics committee does not have the power to expel, however (I am) not having any faith in my colleagues. In the current climate prevailing in the country, I have no hope of justice. I am sending my resignation to chairman Rajya Sabha."

The development comes after Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari on Tuesday turned down the resignation of Mallya, who is facing a loan default case of over Rs 9400 crore, on procedural grounds.

According to Rajya Sabha Secretary General, Mallya's resignation was not according to procedure did not bear his signature in original.

The resignation letter was a last-ditch effort by Mallya to exit before being shown the door. "Since recent events suggest that I will not get a fair trial or justice, I am hereby resigning as a member of the Rajya Sabha with immediate effect," Mallya had said in the letter.

This was Mallya's second term in Rajya Sabha and it would have otherwise come to an end on July 1.