The Supreme Court has issued formal notices to 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) Lok Sabha members. The apex court acted on a petition filed by TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The ruling party seeks a time-bound decision on pending disqualification pleas under the anti-defection law. However, the bench refrained from serving a direct judicial notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Why the Apex Court Did Not Issue Notice to the Speaker
The Supreme Court followed established constitutional conventions by not issuing notice to the Speaker. The Speaker occupies a high constitutional office that manages legislative proceedings independently.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the Speaker’s office has already initiated proceedings.
The Speaker has formally asked all 20 rebel lawmakers to file their replies. Because the administrative process is actively underway, the judges chose to seek responses directly from the rebel MPs instead.
Anti-Defection Claims and the Tenth Schedule Dispute
Trinamool Congress leaders argue that the 20 MPs violated the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. Party lawyers stated that the members were elected on the TMC symbol. They subsequently allied with a rival political group without a valid organizational merger.
Abhishek Banerjee submitted separate disqualification petitions before Parliament earlier this year. The party approached the Supreme Court to prevent indefinite procedural delays in deciding these petitions.
Political Stakes in Parliament and the Road Ahead
The ongoing legal dispute carries major political consequences for parliamentary numbers. The rebel faction includes several prominent lawmakers and former ministers. During the recent session, the Speaker had allotted separate seating arrangements to the breakaway group.
Legal experts note that previous judicial rulings require Speakers to decide defection cases within a reasonable period. The Supreme Court will hear the matter again after receiving replies from the rebel parliamentarians.
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