Decide or face contempt, SC to T’gana speaker

CJl-led bench asks G Prasad Kumar to file reply in two weeks on pleas seeking disqualification of IO BRS MLAs

- SUCHITRA KALYAN MOHANTY

IN a significant development, the Supreme Court on Monday expressed its anger and displeasure over the inaction of the Telangana Speaker, as he failed to decide within three months—from July 31 to October 30—the plea filed by BRS MLA Kaushik Reddy seeking disqualification of 10 MLAs who defected to Congress in the Telangana Assembly. It warned him of contempt if he failed to do so within two weeks.

“It was for him (Telangana Speaker) whether he wants to decide the matter or face contempt of the court...this is gross contempt of the court,” said the bench of the top court, headed by CJI B R Gavai on Monday. It is notable that on July 31, CJI Gavai, in its order, directed the Telangana Speaker to decide within three months on the disqualification of ten Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) who defected to the ruling Congress party in the State.