Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal has moved the Supreme Court, raising concerns that the anti-defection law under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution is being rendered ineffective due to delays in deciding disqualification proceedings.

The petition, filed by Mr Sibal in person against the Union of India, was mentioned today before a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.

Seeking an early hearing, Mr Sibal expressed concern over the growing trend of political defections and the delay in adjudicating disqualification petitions. Responding briefly, the Chief Justice assured that the matter would be taken up.

“We will list it,” the CJI said.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court agreed to list a plea filed by Shiv Sena (UBT) challenging Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s decision recognising the merger of six of its MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Mentioning the matter before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat, appearing for Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant, argued that the Speaker’s decision had brought the party’s functioning in Parliament to a standstill.