The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the delay in deciding disqualification petitions against rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs, with Chief Justice Surya Kant observing that a three-month period may be a 'red flag'. The court also mentioned the impact of this delay on various collateral proceedings and the democratic process of the country.
The Supreme Court raised concerns over the three-month delay in deciding the disqualification petitions filed against 20 rebel TMC Lok Sabha MPs. The court, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, was hearing a plea by Abhishek Banerjee, a leader of Mamata Banerjee-led faction. The disqualification petitions were filed on June 19 after the TMC MPs announced a merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCP).
According to Bar and Bench, the court verbally observed that the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, was expected to take an 'expeditious decision'. Justice Bagchi stated, 'A few months may be a red flag and that is well taken.' The court also pointed out the repercussions this delay could have in various collateral proceedings and the democratic process of the country.
Advocate Kalyan Banerjee, representing Abhishek Banerjee, informed the court that notices were issued to the 20 MPs on August 5, asking them to respond within 14 days. The MPs later sought more time to reply, and the deadline was extended to September 22.
The rebel legislators had sought another extension. Kalyan Banerjee referred to an earlier judgement by the court that disqualification petitions should be decided within a reasonable period and indicated three months as the time limit unless there are exceptional circumstances. Appearing for the speaker, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the MPs had to be given an opportunity to respond and opposed the fixing of a time limit.
The court decided to keep the plea pending and said that it would seek an update on the proceedings. The matter will be heard further after six weeks.
Source:
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