Supreme Court gives Speaker last chance in defection MLAs case
Hyderabad: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed strong displeasure over the delay in deciding disqualification petitions against defecting MLAs. The court gave the Speaker a final opportunity to act.
While hearing the defection case, the apex court directed Speaker Gaddam Prasad to file an affidavit within two weeks. The affidavit must explain the steps taken so far in the disqualification proceedings. The bench also made it clear that the Speaker must decide on the remaining MLAs within the same period. The court posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the Speaker, told the court that the Speaker had already passed orders against seven MLAs. He said the Speaker recently underwent eye surgery. He also cited the change of Secretary General as a reason for the delay.
Supreme Court firm on defection MLAs timeline
Singhvi requested more time to complete proceedings against the remaining MLAs. The Supreme Court rejected the request, stating that it had already granted sufficient time earlier.
The bench said this would be the Speaker’s last opportunity. It directed the Speaker to take a clear decision on the remaining disqualification petitions within two weeks. The court also ordered the Speaker to submit an affidavit explaining the action taken before the next hearing.
About The Author
