The Supreme Court issues notices to 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs in connection with a petition by Abhishek Banerjee seeking a time-bound decision on their disqualification under anti-defection law. The MPs are asked to file replies within seven days after receiving the notices from the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
The dispute stems from a rebellion within the TMC’s parliamentary ranks, with the 20 MPs announcing they have joined or merged with the NCPI, a Tripura-based political outfit, and seeking separate recognition in the Lok Sabha. TMC argues the move amounts to voluntarily giving up party membership.
While outlets agree that the Supreme Court takes up Banerjee’s plea for an expeditious outcome, they differ slightly on procedural details. Some reports say the Court issued notice to the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the MPs, while one account notes the bench does not issue notice to Speaker Om Birla, who is described as the main respondent. Separately, The Hindu and others report the Supreme Court agrees to hear the plea after Banerjee seeks prompt action, following a meeting with the Speaker during the Monsoon session to reiterate the demand for speed.
