SC Issues Notice to Lok Sabha Speaker on Sena MPs’ Merger

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker’s office and others on a plea by Shiv Sena (UBT) challenging approval of the merger of six of its MPs with the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde.

A two-judge bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe agreed to hear the plea filed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant but declined to grant interim relief at this stage.

"Issue notice," the bench said, posting the matter for hearing after two weeks.

The challenge relates to the Speaker’s decision on July 18, ahead of the Monsoon session, approving the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shinde-led faction.

Senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the plea raises issues concerning constitutional propriety and parliamentary functioning.

"No disqualification proceedings are pending," he said, adding that the question of deciding on merger had not arisen.

He also questioned the process, stating that a circular dated July 18 was signed by a joint secretary and that it was unclear whether a formal order had been passed by the Speaker.

"We don't even know whether the Speaker has passed an order, not passed an order," Kamat said.

He alleged that the move was undertaken in view of the Parliament session and sought interim relief citing urgency.

The court, however, declined interim directions and listed the matter for hearing after two weeks.

Of the nine MPs elected on Shiv Sena (UBT) tickets, six have joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, taking its strength to 13, according to official sources.