SC ASKED SENA REBELS TO FILE REPLY BY JULY 12
Mumbai (The Quiver):On Monday, The Supreme Court extends time for rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and other MLAs to file reply to disqualification notices issued to them by the Deputy Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly .Next hearing of Supreme Court to be held on July 11.
The matter, which was heard by the vacation benches of Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala, adjourned to July 11. They stated, “Counter affidavit to be filed within 5 days, rejoinder three days thereafter. List it on July 11.”
The Supreme Court asked the Maharashtra deputy speaker Narhari Zirwal to file a detailed affidavit in connection the no-confidence motion moved against him by the Eknath Shinde-led rebel Shiv Sena camp.
The top court issued the directive after the deputy speaker questioned the authenticity of the removal motion by the rebel camp. The Shinde faction on June 22 had filed a notice for the removal under Article 179 of the constitution and rule 11 of the Maharashtra Assembly Rules.
The Supreme Court asked for all the records from the office of deputy speaker, this after his counsel Rajeev Dhavan told the bench that he questioned the authenticity of the removal motion as it was sent through an email. Earlier, the Supreme Court had asked the rebel group why didn’t they approach the high court. Neeraj K Kaul, the lawyer representing the Shinde camp, responded saying, “Threats to us and our families make it non-conducive to pursue cases in Mumbai.”
The Supreme Court asked the Maharashtra government to ensure protection of 39 dissident MLAs and their family members. The top court records the undertaking by the state government counsel that no harm shall be caused to the life, liberty and properties of the 39 dissidents.
