As SC Hears Case, Lok Sabha Speaker Issues Notice to Rebel TMC MPs Over Abhishek Banerjee's Disqualification Plea

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha Speaker has issued notices to 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs in connection with a disqualification petition filed by TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, as the Supreme Court separately hears a plea seeking an expedited decision on the matter.

The development marks a significant step in the proceedings concerning the status of the MPs and comes amid an ongoing political and legal dispute between the TMC leadership and the rebel lawmakers.

The notices seek responses from the MPs to the allegations and claims raised in the disqualification petition. The MPs are expected to present their position before the competent parliamentary authority as the proceedings move forward.

The issue has gained additional significance because Banerjee has approached the Supreme Court seeking a time-bound decision on the disqualification proceedings. The plea argues that prolonged delays in deciding such petitions can undermine the purpose of the anti-defection framework.

Under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, disqualification proceedings on grounds of defection are decided by the Speaker or Chairman of the relevant House, subject to judicial review in accordance with constitutional principles.

The latest notices indicate that the parliamentary process is now moving forward even as the Supreme Court considers Banerjee's plea.

The dispute involves 20 TMC MPs whom the party leadership has described as rebels. The TMC has sought their disqualification, while the MPs are expected to defend their position during the proceedings.

The issue has also become part of a wider political confrontation between the TMC and its opponents. Party discipline and the anti-defection law remain contentious issues in Parliament, with political parties frequently seeking action against legislators accused of switching allegiance or violating party directives.

The Supreme Court hearing has added a judicial dimension to the dispute. Banerjee's petition seeks an expedited decision, raising broader questions about the timeframe within which constitutional authorities should decide disqualification petitions.

Delays in such proceedings have long been debated because lawmakers facing disqualification proceedings can continue to participate in legislative activities while their cases remain pending.

The Speaker's decision to issue notices is therefore being closely watched by political parties and parliamentary observers.

The rebel MPs will now have an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the proceedings progress further. The final outcome will depend on the submissions made by both sides and the parliamentary authority's assessment of the case.

The matter is likely to remain politically significant in the coming weeks, particularly as the Supreme Court examines the plea seeking an expedited decision.

The developments highlight the continuing tension between parliamentary procedure, party discipline and judicial oversight in cases involving alleged defection.