The Supreme Court on Monday disposed of a plea concerning the delay in deciding the disqualification proceedings against Trinamool Congress MPs, after the Bench indicated that the Lok Sabha Speaker should proceed in accordance with the law. The matter Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana.

In the begining, the Chief Justice indicated that the Court would dispose of the matter while expressing the expectation that the Speaker would follow the law laid down by the Supreme Court.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal argued that the Court should take note of the broader pattern in which members of a legislative party separate themselves, leading to disqualification proceedings, while the Election Commission process continues simultaneously. He referred to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Subhash Desai and submitted that the two processes need to be synchronised to avoid “political havoc” if decisions are delayed.

The Bench, however, pointed out that Subhash Desai operated on a different footing. The Court noted that even if a decision on disqualification is eventually taken, it would not necessarily be the last word on the issue.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the Court should examine the broader pattern before issuing directions. He remarked:

Mr Sibal clarified that he was not referring merely to statutory timelines but to the broader pattern involved in the proceedings. He said: “It is not that, not the time frame, I am sorry, the point I am making is, what the pattern is, that the legislative party will dissociate itself, some members.”

The Bench also emphasised the need for an expeditious decision. During the exchange, the Court stressed that “quick decision” was necessary, particularly when delays in disqualification proceedings could have consequences for elected legislators. The Court disposed of the petition, leaving the matter to be dealt with by the Speaker in accordance with law.