Supreme Court notice on TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee plea for time-bound decision on disqualification of 20 rebel MPs
The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice regarding a plea by TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, who is seeking a time-bound decision on the disqualification of 20 rebel MPs. The court is addressing the procedural delay in handling anti-defection law petitions.
Why it matters
The case touches upon the constitutional role of the Speaker and the enforcement of the anti-defection law, which is central to parliamentary stability.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (August 25, 2026) agreed to hear a plea filed by Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee contending that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was delaying disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law against 20 rebel party MPs who have aligned themselves with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI).
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant issued notice to the Secretary General, Lok Sabha and the MPs in question. Mr. Banerjee has sought a time-bound decision on disqualification of 20 rebel MPs
In fact, the Bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, had initially issued notice to the Speaker, who is arraigned as the first respondent in the petition.
However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Speaker, said there was no need to issue notice to the Speaker, who is a Constitutional authority.
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