Monday, April 25 2005 19:25 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government today (Apr 25, 2005) rejected the Opposition demand for dismissal of Railway Minister Laloo Prasad, arguing that only charges have been framed against him and he has not been convicted.

"Just because charges have been framed against him, there is no justification for his dismissal," Union Law Minister H R Bhardwaj told reporters in New Delhi responding to the demand by NDA (National Democratic Alliance).

He contended Laloo cannot be removed till he is convicted. "When somebody becomes an MP, he is qualified for becoming a Minister. A Minister can be disqualified only when he incurs some disqualification," Bhardwaj said.

The Law Minister noted that charge has already been framed against Laloo in a Patna court which is still being heard. "Just because of framing of charges, one does not become eligible for disqualification. Disqualification is post conviction," he said.

Laloo was today chargesheeted in the fodder scam following which NDA demanded his dismissal from Union Cabinet.