Article 170: Appointment of a non-member of the State Assembly as Minister

1) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (9) of Article 168, the Chief of State may, on the recommendation of the Chief Minister, appoint any person who is not a member of the State Assembly as a Minister.

2) A Minister appointed under clause (1) must obtain membership of the State Assembly within six months from the date of taking an oath by him or her.

3) In the event of failure to obtain membership of the State Assembly within the period mentioned in clause (2), he or she shall not be eligible to be reappointed to the office of Minister during the term of the then State Assembly.

4) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (1), a person who has been defeated in the election to the then State Assembly shall not be eligible to be appointed to the office of Minister under clause (1) during the term of such State Assembly.