21 AAP MLAs meet Kejriwal after EC issues notices to them

21 AAP MLAs, who hold the posts of parliamentary secretaries, met Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday over notices issued to them by the Election Commission after a petitioner alleged that the posts were akin to "office of profit".

Petitioner Prashant Patel, a Delhi-based advocate, alleged that the MLAs have become subject to disqualification for holding the posts, a charge that was "dismissed" by Kejriwal in the meeting.

"Discussions were held with the CM over the issue. He (Kejriwal) said that it was crystal clear that there was no violation of any constitutional provision citing a number of court judgements from the past," one of the MLAs, who was present in the meeting, said.

The party insisted that the post of parliamentary secretary was not an 'office of profit' as the secretaries were not provided any monetary allowance and were not entitled to any special privilege.

Sources in the EC said the matter was still at a "nascent" stage and that a decision will be taken only after the legislators have filed their response. They have been asked to respond on or before April 11. All the 21 legislators, were present at the meeting held at Kejriwal's residence.

Kejriwal had appointed them as parliamentary secretaries to ministers for "smooth functioning" of the government on March 14 last year. Although they do not receive remuneration or perks from the government, they are provided transport for official purposes and space in the minister's office to facilitate their work, if needed.