MOSCOW, April - RAPSI. The Supreme Court's appeals board will meet on April 11 to consider the complaint filed by former State Duma deputy Gennady Gudkov, who was stripped of his mandate in September, the court reported on Monday.

Gudkov, from A Just Russia party, was forced to leave parliament after the lower house voted for expelling him in connection with allegations of his involvement in business, which is not permitted for lawmakers.

In December, Gudkov's appeal against this decision was considered by the Constitutional Court. Gudkov contested the requirement to strip a lawmaker of his mandate if he joins the civil service or is engaged in business or any other profit-making activity, except teaching, research or art.

The Court ruled that this requirement was not in conflict with the country's constitution, but that nevertheless, a deputy stripped of his mandate has the right to appeal his colleagues' decision in the Supreme Court, as regards to both content and procedure. This complaint should be prioritized, and the deputy should continue to hold parliamentary immunity until the court ruling is enforced.