Maharashtra News Live Updates: Notices to 54 Sena MLAs soon; 7 days to file reply

The SC had in its verdict in the Shiv Sena case said that the assembly Speaker must decide on the disqualification petitions within a reasonable period. Speaker will determine which faction is the political party, it said.

Narwekar had said, “I welcome the decision of the SC, which has given powers to the Speaker of the assemblywhile giving its verdict in the case of disqualification of 16 MLAs. As far as decision-making is concerned, I will take the decision as soon as possible. I will not take it under anyone’s pressure. I have not received any application from the Uddhav Thackeray faction so far. There will be no discrimination while taking a decision. I do not pay attention to statements given outside the legislature. I cannot tell the reasonable time by when the hearing will be completed, the time also varies according to the situation of each case. Around 5 petitions have come to me. We will make 54 MLAs a party and get them heard. ”

Narwekar had on Tuesday said that there were five petitions for disqualification of 54 MLAs of both Shiv Sena factions before him. Indicating that disqualification proceedings may take time, Narwekar had said he would have to give a hearing for each petition. He said that though the Supreme Court in its order had said the appointment of Shinde group MLA Bharat Gogawale as party whip was illegal, if he made an enquiry and found that his appointment was made by the political party at the time, he could reinstate Gogawale. Narwekar had added that reasonable time, as mentioned by the SC in its order for him to take a decision on disqualification, was different in different cases.

Raut on Wednesday said the government itself was unconstitutional. “I’m not saying this, this is what the Supreme Court (SC) said. All the steps they took to establish this government were illegal. The SC has said all this was unconstitutional. So we are also saying this… if the entire process is illegal and unconstitutional, then the CM, deputy CM and Speaker will also be unconstitutional. I only expressed my view. Is there no democracy in the country,” he said.

Functionaries from CM Shinde’s Sena also said on Wednesday that 50 of their MLAs would move a breach of privilege motion against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut for insulting Narwekar and the Speaker’s office. Taking a dig at Narwekar, Raut had said on Tuesday that if Narwekar wants to stand with Duryodhan, he must pack his law degree in a bag. Raut had also said that delaying the decision on MLAs’ disqualification amounted to treason and would be unconstitutional.

Notices to 54 Sena MLAs soon; 7 days to file reply