Supreme Court questions Telangana CM Revanth Reddy’s remarks on anti-defection law, warns against undermining legal provisions. Speaker’s delay in disqualification petitions under scrutiny.
SUPREME COURT SLAMS TELANGANA CM OVER ANTI-DEFECTION LAW REMARKS
Case in News
The Supreme Court of India condemned Revanth Reddy for allegedly stating that no bye-elections would occur if Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLAs switched to Congress violating the anti-defection law .
Case Overview
Case Name: Kuna Pandu Vivekananda vs. State of Telangana
The case was heard by Justice BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih. The petition was filed by Bharat Rashtra Samithi and BJP MLAs, challenging the Telangana Speaker’s delay in deciding disqualification pleas against defected MLAs. The Supreme Court of India questioned the inaction of the Speaker and condemned CM Revanth Reddy for undermining political defection laws.
Key Aspects
- Anti-Defection Violation : CM Revanth Reddy allegedly encouraged MLAs to defect without consequences .
- Speaker’s Delay: Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLAs challenged the failure of the Speaker to act on petitions of disqualification.
- Judicial Oversight: The Supreme Court of India questioned whether courts can enforce time-bound decisions in cases of political defection.
- Sanctity of Legislative Statements : The Court stressed on the legal weight of speeches made in the Assembly.
Legal Insights
- Tenth Schedule: It is about political defection and disqualification of MLAs.
- Article 226 of the Constitution: Limits High Courts from directing Speakers on time-bound decisions.
- Kihoto Hollohan Judgment: Supreme Court decision on judicial review of Speaker’s decisions in disqualification cases.
Court’s Verdict
The Supreme Court of India warned CM Revanth Reddy against statements which are undermining political defection laws and questioned the Speaker’s delay. The case is under judicial scrutiny.
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