The Supreme Court has issued a stern directive to the Speaker of the Telangana Legislative Assembly, instructing him to dispose of the remaining disqualification petitions against defected legislators within a strict timeframe of three weeks. The Court cautioned that failure to comply with this deadline would invite contempt proceedings.
The order was passed while the apex court was reviewing compliance with its earlier directions concerning petitions seeking the disqualification of several MLAs who had switched political allegiance. The Court expressed strong displeasure over the prolonged delay in deciding the matter, observing that repeated adjournments and inaction undermined the constitutional purpose of the anti-defection framework.
The bench underscored that the Speaker, while acting under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, functions as a quasi-judicial authority and is duty-bound to adjudicate disqualification proceedings expeditiously. It noted that unreasonable delays defeat the very object of the anti-defection law, which is intended to preserve political stability and the integrity of the electoral mandate.
During the hearing, the Speaker’s counsel submitted that some of the petitions had already been addressed and assured the Court that decisions on the remaining cases would be delivered shortly. The explanation for the delay included procedural challenges and competing administrative commitments. However, the Court remained unconvinced, pointing out that sufficient time had already been granted and that prior assurances had not translated into timely action.
The Court made it unequivocally clear that any further lapse would be viewed seriously and could result in contempt action against the constitutional authority. By imposing a definitive deadline, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its supervisory role in ensuring that constitutional responsibilities entrusted to legislative offices are discharged without undue delay.
The order reinforces the judiciary’s consistent position that while Speakers enjoy autonomy in disqualification matters, such authority is not absolute and remains subject to judicial scrutiny, particularly where prolonged inaction threatens constitutional discipline and democratic accountability.
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