New Delhi/Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court on Thursday issued notices to the Speaker and six MLAs who contested elections on a Bahujan Samaj Party and then merged with the Congress.
The court issued the notices while hearing a petition filed by the BSP against the merger of the MLAs into Rajasthan's ruling party.
They have to submit the replies by August 11 and submit their side of the case.
Following a week of hectic parleys, protests and exchange of letters between Raj Bhavan and the state government in Rajasthan, Governor Kalraj Mishra on Wednesday agreed to call an assembly session on August 14. Earlier, the Governor had questioned the government's third proposal, which insisted on the July 31 date it mentioned earlier.
Mr Mishra said that there appeared to be no convincing reason to call a session without a 21-day notice in view of the coronavirus outbreak, unless the government wanted to hold a trust vote. In that case, a short session with all the safety measures, including social distancing could be held, he said.
Meanwhile, Speaker CP Joshi has filed a fresh petition in the Supreme Court against the high court order over disqualification notices issued to Sachin Pilot and his camp of rebel MLAs. Sources told NDTV that Speaker will not be pressing for immediate hearing and the case is likely to come up for hearing next week. Senior advocate and Congress leader Kapil Sibal will represent the Speaker in court.
Here are the Highlights on Rajasthan Political Crisis:
Jul 30, 2020 18:35 (IST)
Want the unhappy MLAs to attend assembly session: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot
"I still want that those unhappy MLAs should attend the assembly session as they've been elected on Congress symbol. It's my responsibility to ensure that they are seen standing with the government in front of the public," said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
Jul 30, 2020 16:34 (IST)
Court sends notices to Rajasthan Speaker, 6 BSP MLAs who joined Congress
The Rajasthan High Court on Thursday issued notices to the Speaker and six MLAs who contested elections on a Bahujan Samaj Party and then merged with the Congress.
The court issued the notices while hearing a petition filed by the BSP against the merger of the MLAs into Rajasthan''s ruling party.
They have to submit the replies by August 11 and submit their side of the case.
Sandeep Yadav, Wajib Ali, Deepchand Kheria, Lakhan Meena, Jogendra Awana and Rajendra Gudha won the assembly elections in 2018. In September 2019, the entire group of BSP MLAs joined the Congress.
BJP MLA Madan Dilawar complained to the Speaker, saying it violated the anti-defection law.
Jul 30, 2020 15:56 (IST)
Rajasthan High Court issues notice to Speaker and Secretary of the Legislative Assembly, and 6 BSP MLAs in connection with the merger of the BSP MLAs with Congress party, in the state. The Court asks them to file reply by August 11.
Jul 30, 2020 11:21 (IST)
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) is set to meet at Hotel Fairmont. The meeting will be chaired by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.