The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to list a plea challenging Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s decision recognising the merger of six Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MPs with the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The matter arises from the Speaker’s decision, issued on July 18, approving the merger of six of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The decision increased the Shinde faction’s strength in the Lok Sabha to 13 MPs, reducing the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction to just three members. The recognition came days before the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and was reflected in a revised party position circulated by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
Mentioning the matter before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana, Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat sought urgent listing, arguing that the Speaker’s action had immediate constitutional ramifications and had disrupted the parliamentary functioning of the Shiv Sena (UBT).
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“This is an important matter. The Speaker recognises the merger of my six MPs with the rival party. This shows the importance of a constitutional position. The Speaker has recognised it late Saturday night and it has brought Parliament work for the party to a standstill,” Kamat submitted.
The Chief Justice responded that while the Court could not assure listing on the following day, it would list the matter for hearing.