SC gives no interim relief to Sena UBT over MPs' merger with Shinde camp, says will issue notice

Supreme Court refused interim relief to Shiv Sena (UBT) challenging Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s recognition of six MPs' merger with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

The Court issued notice but declined to stay the Speaker’s circular revising party strength, despite Sena (UBT)’s argument that the decision hampered its functioning during the monsoon session.

Sena (UBT) argued the merger was unconstitutional under anti-defection law, citing the Subhash Desai judgment, and that no disqualification proceedings were pending against the six MPs.

Senior advocate Devadatt Kamat noted the circular unilaterally reduced Sena (UBT)’s MPs from nine to three, and questioned whether the Speaker had issued a formal order.