SC dismisses Danam Nagender's plea against disqualification
The Supreme Court of India dismissed MLA Danam Nagender's plea against his disqualification following his defection to the Congress party. The court cited the 'Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram' phenomenon to describe the frequent party-switching of politicians.
Why it matters
This ruling reinforces anti-defection laws and judicial oversight regarding the political integrity of elected representatives.
The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday (September 24, 2026) dismissed MLA Danam Nagender's plea challenging an order of the Telangana High Court which disqualified him following his defection to the ruling Congress, observing it was a case of 'Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram'.
The High Court had set aside an the Assembly Speaker’s order dismissing petitions seeking his disqualification in March this year. Telangana Legislative Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar on March 11 dismissed petitions seeking the disqualification of Nagender as legislator.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana said there was no ground to interfere with the High Court's order. "Your case is 'Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram, phir aaya Ram'?" Justice Bagchi remarked orally. The phrase is used to describe politicians who frequently switch sides.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the MLA.
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