Tendulkar criticised for Rajya Sabha absence

Sachin Tendulkar's absence from the Rajya Sabha, the upper house in India's parliament, has come under scrutiny. Tendulkar, who became a nominated member of parliament in April 2012, has been seen in the house only once this year. Since he took oath as an MP, Tendulkar has a 3% attendance record, having attended parliament on just three days and last in December 2013.

The issue was raised in the house by P Rajeeve of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) who asked if Tendulkar had sought permission for his extended absence and demanded his seat be vacated. In response, deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, PJ Kurien said, "As per Article 104 of the Constitution, if a member is absent from either House of Parliament for a period of 60 days then the seat is considered vacant. In case of Sachin Tendulkar, he has not attended the Parliament for 40 days, so he hasn't violated Constitutional provisions."