Supreme Court Hears Abhishek Banerjee's Plea Seeking Expedited Decision on 20 Rebel TMC MPs

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday heard a plea filed by Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee seeking an expedited decision on the disqualification of 20 rebel TMC MPs.

The plea relates to proceedings concerning the MPs who have allegedly defied the party line and whose continuation as members of Parliament has become a matter of political and legal dispute.

Banerjee has approached the apex court seeking directions for a time-bound decision on the disqualification proceedings. The petition raises concerns over what the TMC describes as an undue delay in deciding the status of the MPs.

The matter assumes significance as disqualification of Members of Parliament involves constitutional and parliamentary procedures. Under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, questions relating to disqualification on grounds of defection are decided by the Speaker or Chairman of the concerned House, subject to judicial review under established legal principles.

The TMC has maintained that prolonged delays in deciding such petitions can undermine the purpose of the anti-defection law and weaken the mandate given by voters.

The party has argued that elected representatives who change their political allegiance or act against the requirements of the anti-defection framework should face a decision within a reasonable period.

The case also comes amid heightened political tensions between the TMC and its opponents. The party has been seeking to strengthen its position in Parliament while dealing with internal political differences.

The Supreme Court's consideration of the plea could have wider implications for how quickly authorities are expected to act on disqualification petitions involving elected representatives.

The court's intervention is being closely watched because the issue goes beyond the immediate dispute involving the TMC MPs and touches upon the functioning of the anti-defection mechanism.

Political parties have repeatedly raised concerns over delays in deciding disqualification petitions, with critics arguing that prolonged proceedings can allow disputed legislators to continue participating in legislative business.

The matter is expected to see further hearings as the Supreme Court examines the legal questions raised by Banerjee's plea.

The development adds another layer to the ongoing political and legal debate over party discipline, defections and the constitutional status of elected representatives.