SC seeks Lok Sabha Speaker's reply on nod to UBT Sena MPs' merger with Shinde Sena

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought the Lok Sabha Speaker's response to a plea challenging his decision to recognise the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

A division bench comprising justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, however, refused to immediately stay the merger. Posting the matter for further hearing after two weeks, the bench observed that it "will consider" the plea.

Speaker Om Birla had recognised the merger of six MPs of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena on July 18, increasing the latter's strength in the Lok Sabha from seven to 13. The decision was reflected in a Lok Sabha circular notifying the revised party strength in the Lower House.


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Senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, appearing for UBT Sena, argued that the case involves important questions of constitutional morality and propriety. "Six MPs were chosen on my party symbol. No disqualification proceedings are pending. The question of deciding on the merger has not even arisen. Please have a look at the circular that was issued," Kamat submitted.

He added that the circular was signed by a joint secretary and there was no disclosure whether the Speaker had passed any order approving the merger.

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Kamat urged the bench to grant an interim stay on the decision. However, the bench refused to stay the decision.