Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, who was expelled from the CPI-M after he refused to toe the party decision to quit from his post during the trust vote in July, on Sunday ruled out returning to the party 'at this age'.

"No, No, I am not giving thought to the question at this age," Chatterjee, said in reply to a question if there was any possibility of his return to the party.

In an interview to a Bengali news channel, the 80-year-old leader said he was pained when CPI-M MPs accused him of being partisan in his conduct of proceedings of the Lok Sabha.

Chatterjee who stoutly defended his action of not quitting the Speaker's office said, "There is no scope for the Lok Sabha speaker being partisan when his job is not only to do justice but also to ensure that justice is seen to be done".

"Whether I made wrong or right, I don't know, but most people have backed my stand. Moreover, I am nearing my retirement. Of course there are places where the speakers cannot rise above party identity," he said.

Referring to his expulsion from the party, Chatterjee said that he had clearly explained his position on this issue on August one.

"They have the right to take a decision on the basis of party constitution. I have also accepted it and did not appeal against it. If the expulsion strengthens the party, I will be happy though I am no longer in it," Chatterjee said.