Decision on Vinay Kulkarni’s MLA Status After Court Order: Speaker UT Khader

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 20, 2026: Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader on Monday said a decision regarding Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni’s membership will be taken only after receiving the certified copy of the court order sentencing him to life imprisonment.

Kulkarni was recently convicted by a Special Court for Elected Representatives in connection with the murder of BJP leader Yogeshgouda Goudar.

Speaking to reporters, Khader said any action on Kulkarni’s continuation as an MLA would be considered only after examining the court order. He added that Kulkarni could continue as a legislator if he secures a stay on the sentence from a higher court.

Khader also announced that Speakers from Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Sikkim will meet in Bhubaneswar on April 22 and 23 to deliberate on strengthening the Anti-Defection Law. The meeting, involving Speakers, Secretaries, and subject experts, will prepare a comprehensive report to be submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker within a year.

Responding to queries on the Opposition’s move leading to the defeat of a constitutional amendment Bill on women’s reservation and increasing Lok Sabha seats, Khader said he would refrain from detailed comments given his constitutional role. He stressed that laws must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions and be implemented without causing hardship to any section, with public trust remaining central to the process.