Monday, February 28 2005 16:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In the wake of fast moving political developments triggered by the Goa Speaker, the Pratapsinh Rane Government, which came to power under controversial circumstances, today (Feb 28, 2005) complained before the Supreme Court about the Speaker's "unethical" actions ahead of today's trust vote.

Recording submissions of counsel for Rane Government and the former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar who has challenged his dismissal by Governor S C Jamir, a Bench comprising Chief Justice R C Lahoti and Justice D M Dharmadhikari adjourned the hearing on the petition till March 4.

Appearing for the Rane Government, senior advocate Fali S Nariman said the Speaker has taken up disqualification proceedings against Philippe Neri Rodriguez, who had switched sides and was rewarded with the post of Deputy Chief Minister in Rane Government, just before the trust vote.

He accused the Speaker of playing politics with an old matter pertaining to Rodriguez contesting as an independent candidate in the Assembly elections allegedly while being a primary member of BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).

Appearing for Parrikar, former Attorney General Soli J Sorabjee stated that it was unfortunate that a matter which has no bearing on the petition challenging the Goa Governor's February 2 decision to dismiss the Parrikar Government, hours after it won a trust vote, was being brought before the Court.

He said irrespective of the outcome of the trust vote slated for this afternoon, the Court should hear the petition filed by Parrikar challenging the Governor's decision.