President unsure of compelling reasons for ordinance to protect convicted netas: sources

President Pranab Mukherjee today asked to be briefed by the government on the urgent need to bring an ordinance that protects convicted MPs and MLAs from disqualification. Sources said Mr Mukherjee is believed to be "unsure of the compelling reasons" for the ordinance, which the union cabinet hurriedly approved this week. It overturns a Supreme Court order disqualifying lawmakers immediately after conviction and provides that MPs or MLAs convicted in a corruption case or sentenced to two years in jail can stay on without a salary or voting rights if they appeal to a higher court.