The Apex Court also issued notices to Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal, Chief Whip Sunil Prabhu, leader of Legislature party Anil Chaudhary and the Centre. The court decided to hear the matter on July 11.
New Delhi: In a major relief to the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs who has been camping in a hotel in Guwahati, Supreme Court on Monday asked them to MLAs to file their responses to the disqualification notices till July 11. The top court’s order of extension of date came amid Maharashtra Assembly Deputy Speaker’s notice to submit their replies by 5.30 pm, Monday.
The Apex Court also issued notices to Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal, Chief Whip Sunil Prabhu, leader of Legislature party Anil Chaudhary and the Centre. The court decided to hear the matter on July 11.
The court asked the lawyer of rebel MLAs that why they did not move Bombay High Court first and, in reply, he said that houses of rebel MLAs and other properties are being targeted. Situation is not favourable to pursue the case in Bombay High Court.
Also Read: Maharashtra political crisis: Rebel MLAs moves Supreme Court for control over Shiv Sena
On Sunday, the rebel MLAs have moved Supreme Court over control of the party on Sunday. The MLAs, under the leadership of Eknath Shinde, had challenged the Shiv Sena’s move to disqualify 16 MLAs including Shinde in top court. The rebel MLAs, who have been camping in a hotel in Guwahati, have also challenged Ajay Choudhari’s appointment as the Shiv Sena Legislature Party leader and the rejection of no-confidence motion against Deputy Speaker Narahari Zirwal.
The rebel group had requested the Supreme Court to order Deputy Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly not to proceed disqualification plea moved by the CM Uddhav Thackeray. The MLAs have also urged apex court to direct state government for adequate security to their families.
Eknath Shinde, in his petition, had said that 55 MLAs have appointed his as the leader of the Shiv Sena Legislature Party in 2019. Less than 35 per cent MLAs of the party were present when resolution to remove him from the post of Legislature Party leader was passed by the Uddhav Thackeray group. He had claimed that the move of replacing him from the post is illegal and disqualification can be done in the assembly and not for skipping a party meeting.