Maharashtra political drama: Supreme Court hints at referring it to Constitution Bench

Tribune News Service

Satya Prakash

New Delhi, July 20

Noting that many constitutional questions have arisen in the petitions relating to the Maharashtra political crisis culminating in a change in government in the state, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said the issue might need to be considered by a five-Judge Constitution Bench.

After hearing senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Harish Salve and others representing the rival Shiv Sena factions for more than an hour, a three-judge Bench led by CJI NV Ramana posted the petitions for further hearing on August 1.

The Bench asked the Maharashtra Speaker not to deal with disqualification petitions till further orders.

While hearing multiple petitions filed by rival factions of Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde on various issues, it also directed Legislative Secretary to keep all the records in safe custody.

The Bench directed the parties to file by next Wednesday their respective replies along with the issues they wanted to top court to decide

The petitions related to disqualification proceedings, election of new Speaker, recognition of party whip, floor test and the formation of a new government led by Shinde.

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