SC questions Telangana Speaker on disqualification delay
A Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and AG Masih, raised pointed questions to the Speaker and Secretary of the Telangana Legislative Assembly.
Hyderabad: The Supreme Court has taken up petitions alleging undue delay by the Telangana Speaker in deciding disqualification petitions against BRS MLAs who defected to the Congress. This development occurs against the backdrop of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's recent assertion in the Assembly that there would be no by-elections, citing no changes in the relevant laws.
The Supreme Court asserted its role as the protector of the Constitution. Justice B.R. Gavai stated, "Even if the Speaker takes no action for four years, courts should watch it."
Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Telangana Speaker, argued that courts cannot infringe upon the Speaker's special rights. He contended that while a Speaker's decision is subject to judicial review, it is inappropriate for the court to dictate a specific timeline for such decisions. "Whether or not to follow a court's suggestion is within the Speaker's rights," Rohatgi said, emphasising the principle that one constitutional body should not exert undue influence over another.
Justice Gavai countered, "Can't we tell the Speaker? Can't we appeal or instruct?" He questioned, "If the Speaker can't take action for four years, should the courts remain silent?"
Rohatgi clarified that the Speaker cannot act solely according to the petitioners' wishes in defection matters. He further stated that while the petitioners filed a complaint on March 18th, the Speaker issued notices to the 10 MLAs on January 16, 2025.
The case is scheduled to continue in the Supreme Court tomorrow.