In a massive setback for the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra, the Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stay the floor test ordered in the state assembly tomorrow (Thursday, June 30) ordered by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.
What did the Eknath Shinde camp tell SC?
Shiv Sena rebel MLA Eknath Shinde told the SC that the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction is in a "hopeless minority" within the party and a floor test in the Assembly is the best way to stop horse-trading.
Shinde's counsel told a vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and J B Pardiwala that any delay in the floor test would cause more damage to the democratic polity.
Senior advocate N K Kaul, appearing for Shinde, argued that the pendency of disqualification proceedings before the speaker is no ground to delay the floor test.
"Dance of democracy takes place on the floor of the House and that is what is being sought to be done," Kaul told the bench.
"They (Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena) are in a hopeless minority within the party itself, forget the House," Kaul argued, adding that the unfolding situation requires a floor test, and the Governor, in his discretion, has decided that it be conducted.
What did Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena tell SC?
Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for Prabhu, told the apex court that people who have changed sides do not reflect the will of people and heavens won't fall if the floor test is not held tomorrow.
He argued that the court must not allow a floor test to be held till the deputy speaker decides on the disqualification petition against some rebel MLAs.
Singhvi told the bench that the order to conduct a floor test at a "supersonic speed" amounts to putting the cart before the horse.
He said two MLAs of the NCP are down with COVID-19 while two MLAs of the Congress are abroad and they are asked to participate in the floor test on Thursday.
