One last chance: SC seeks Telangana speaker’s response, sets 2 weeks deadline

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday adjourned the hearing in the case related to the disqualification of defected BRS MLAs, granting time to the Telangana Assembly Speaker to place an affidavit detailing the steps taken so far.

The court directed that the affidavit be filed within two weeks, with the possibility of extending the deadline by another two weeks, if required.

Supreme Court seeks status report from speaker

A Bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Augustine George Masih heard the matter concerning the alleged defections of legislators from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).

The court asked the Assembly Speaker, Gaddam Prasad Kumar, to submit an affidavit explaining the procedure adopted in deciding the disqualification petitions against the remaining three MLAs.

Speaker seeks more time

Appearing for the Speaker, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi informed the court that out of the 10 MLAs who defected from the BRS, decisions have already been taken in respect of seven.

He requested four weeks to complete the process in the remaining three cases, citing the Speaker’s recent eye surgery and administrative delays following the appointment of a new Assembly Secretary-General.

The counsel also submitted a report to the court outlining the decisions already taken by the Speaker.

BRS raises objections over delays

Counsel appearing for the BRS, representing party leader Padi Kaushik Reddy, argued that similar assurances had been given for over a year without concrete action.

He pointed out that despite earlier directions from the Supreme Court to decide the disqualification petitions within three months, the process had not been completed.

Court grants two weeks, keeps door open for extension

After hearing both sides, the Bench granted two weeks to the Speaker to inform the court of the decisions taken.

The judges clarified that, depending on the progress shown, an additional two weeks may be granted, if necessary. The matter has been posted for further hearing after the stipulated period.