SC Raps Telangana Speaker to Decide on MLAs’ Disqualification
SC Raps Telangana Speaker to Decide on MLAs’ Disqualification
The Supreme Court lashes out at the Telangana Speaker for delaying disqualification petitions against 10 BRS MLAs who defected to Congress, warning of contempt.
The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on the Telangana legislative assembly speaker for delaying decisions on disqualification petitions against 10 Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLAs who defected to the Congress between March and June last year. The court had fixed a three-month deadline for these proceedings in July.
The petitions were filed by BRS legislators, including party working president KT Rama Rao and MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy, accusing the speaker of stalling the adjudication to politically benefit the ruling Congress and raising concerns of contempt of court.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Bhushan R. Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria told the speaker’s counsel to finish the matter or face contempt, and issued notices, asking for a detailed explanation within four weeks.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the speaker, argued that proceedings were underway and had been delayed by floods, with an eight-week schedule drawn up. The bench, however, remained unmoved.
The episode underscores concerns about timely adjudication under the anti-defection law and the need for accountability in state legislatures, with the court signaling that such delays cannot be tolerated.
The matter highlights the judiciary’s role in enforcing constitutional timelines and the political stakes involved in MLAs switching sides, as the petitions seek resolution on disqualification.
Cover image source: Telangana Speaker courting 'gross contempt' by not deciding disqualification pleas: Supreme Court 🔗
