Sidhu may finally get to do comedy show as Punjab AG says 'no case of office for profit'

Chandigarh: Cricketer-turned-politician cum comedy show host Navjot Singh Sidhu may finally get to continue his favourite television programme, with the Punjab attorney general ruling there's “no case of office for profit”.

The attorney general's remark comes as a relief for Sidhu as he wanted to continue hosting “The Comedy Nights with Kapil” after his appointment as Punjab's deputy chief minister.

He had earlier expressed his wish to continue hosting the comedy show, saying that it will not come in the way in his new role in the state government.

On Wednesday, Centre's Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi had opined that Sidhu as a public servant should refrain from doing television shows.

He cited “moral responsibility” for discontinuing any activity of a commercial nature owing to his holding public office, although there is no law which bars such a move.

He said Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh should advise his cabinet colleague to refrain from doing the popular TV show.

The 53-year-old cricketer-turned-politician is a special judge on the popular show.

However, the top law officer said that there was no provision in the Constitution to disqualify an MLA or minister if he engages in private business.

"There is a moral and ethical responsibility as per which a public servant must disassociate from any commercial activity," Rohatgi told a private TV channel.