The Supreme Court has scheduled March 18 as the date for hearing the plea filed by six rebel Congress MLAs from Himachal Pradesh challenging the decision of the Assembly Speaker to disqualify them.
Led by Senior Advocate Harish Salve, the petitioners await a hearing in the apex court, with the bench adjourning the matter due to Salve's unavailability. In the meantime, the court has sought clarification from the legislators on why they haven't approached the High Court with their grievances and which fundamental rights they believe have been violated.
The petitioners responded by citing their electoral status, suggesting that they have been elected representatives. However, the court remained unconvinced, scheduling further deliberation for next Monday.
The disqualification of the six Congress MLAs, namely Sudhir Sharma, Rajinder Rana, Davinder K Bhutto, Ravi Thakur, Chaitanya Sharma, and Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, stems from their alleged involvement in cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha polls held on February 29.
This action was taken under the anti-defection law, which seeks to prevent elected representatives from switching parties after their election. Following the 2022 Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh, the Congress party secured 40 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held 25 in the 68-member state assembly.
The remaining three seats were occupied by independent candidates. However, the political landscape shifted during the Rajya Sabha polls, where the BJP, despite having only 25 MLAs, managed to secure nine additional votes, resulting in a 34-34 tie.
This unexpected turn of events occurred as three Independents and six Congress MLAs reportedly cross-voted in favor of the BJP candidate. Ultimately, the BJP candidate emerged victorious after the result was decided through a draw of lots.
The upcoming hearing in the Supreme Court holds significance as it will potentially provide clarity on the legality and constitutionality of the Speaker's decision to disqualify the rebel MLAs. It also underscores the broader issues surrounding defection and party loyalty in Indian politics.
The outcome of the hearing may have far-reaching implications for the political landscape of Himachal Pradesh, shaping the dynamics of governance and representation in the state.
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