BANGKOK, Jan 24 (TNA) – The Constitutional Court has ruled in favor of former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, saying that he did not violate the electoral rules that prohibit MPs from owning shares in a media company.
The court found him not guilty, pointing out that Pita did not hold shares in the media business when he applied to run in the election last year as iTV is not a functioning media business and his MP status remains intact.
The court has ruled that iTV pcl has ceased its operations. The company notified the Social Security Office that it has no employees due to the temporary cessation of business since March 8, 2007. The revenue from the company’s mass media business is reported as zero.
The court concluded that iTV has no right to engage in mass media business but retains its legal entity status solely for legal proceedings. There have been no reports of income from the mass media operation, but the company still generates income from investments and interest income.
Pita was accused by the Election Commission (EC) that he violated the electoral law for holding shares in the iTV pcl. when he registered his candidacy to run in the May 14 election last year. The election law prohibits politicians from holding the media shares.
The EC submitted the petition to the Constitution Court to rule on the case. The court accepted the case for deliberation and on July 19, suspended Pita, then MFP leader and prime ministerial candidate from duties as an MP until the court issues a judgment.
Pita earlier said he inherited shares from his late father and the shares were listed under his name as he was an executor of his father’s estate.
Pita is expected to return to Parliament to resume his work as an MP after the court’s ruling today. -819 (TNA)
