New Delhi:
On Friday (December 15), a hearing was held in the Supreme Court on the disqualification case of Shiv Sena’s Shinde faction. On behalf of the Maharashtra Speaker, the Legislative Assembly Secretariat has requested the Supreme Court to extend the time by 3 weeks in the case of disqualification of the Shiv Sena MLA.
After which the Supreme Court has asked the Speaker of Maharashtra to take a decision on the disqualification of the Shiv Sena Shinde group by 10 January 2024. Earlier, the court had asked the Speaker to decide on the disqualification case by December 31. At the same time, the court has asked the Speaker to give a decision by January 31, 2024 in the NCP split and Ajit Pawar faction rebellion case.
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The Supreme Court was hearing the petition of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) party MP Sunil Prabhu. In which Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar was demanded to direct the decision on the pending disqualification petitions against Eknath Shinde group MLAs at the earliest.
On October 17, the Supreme Court gave Maharashtra Speaker Rahul Narvekar a deadline to decide on the disqualification petitions of Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde group MLAs following the split in the Shiv Sena party. The apex court had said that the disqualification petitions should be decided as soon as possible. After this the hearing was adjourned till October 30. The hearing was held on October 30 and the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly was given until December 31 to take a decision on the disqualification of the MLAs. Now this deadline has been extended till January 10.
In June 2022, Eknath Shinde revolted
Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde rebelled against the party in June 2022. After this, Shinde formed the government in the state along with the BJP. He himself became the chief minister.
Also claimed election symbols of Shiv Sena and party
Shinde presented his claim on Shiv Sena. On 16 February 2023, the Election Commission accepted the Eknath Shinde faction as the de facto Shiv Sena. Also, the Shinde faction was allowed to use the Shiv Sena’s name and symbol (bow and arrow). The Uddhav group challenged the Election Commission’s decision in the Supreme Court.
Fadnavis said – Shinde will remain CM despite being unqualified
Earlier on October 29, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made a statement on the issue of disqualification of MLAs. In an interview given to Marathi media, he said that Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will not be disqualified. Their case is strong. Fadnavis said, “Even if that happens, he will complete his term as Chief Minister. We will elect him as MLC to retain his post.”