''Not possible to constitute Bench immediately'': SC on Sena''s plea

Satya Prakesh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, November 12

The Supreme Court on Tuesday made it clear to Shiv Sena lawyers that it's not possible to constitute a Bench immediately to hear the party's petition after it moved the top court against Maharashtra Governor's decision refusing to give it more time to gather support for forming government in the state.

The top court registry told Shiv Sena lawyers to mention the petition at 10.30 am on Wednesday for urgent hearing.

"A fresh/second petition challenging the imposition of President rule is being readied. The decision on when to file it will be taken tomorrow," said advocate Sunil Fernandes who filed Shiv Sena's petition.

Filed through Shiv Sena MLC Anil Dattatray, the petition challenged Maharashtra Governor's decision to reject the party's plea to give it three days to get letters of support from the NCP and the Congress.

Besides the Centre and the State of Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena petition also made the Congress and the NCP respondents in the case.

The Governor can't decide who enjoys majority without the party, which stakes claim being given an opportunity to do so on the floor of the House, it contended.

The Sena, which is trying to form a possible coalition government with the support of the NCP and the Congress, had failed to secure the requisite letters from both the parties.