Overview
- A bench led by Chief Justice B. R. Gavai termed the prolonged delay "gross contempt" and issued notice returnable in two weeks.
- The court’s July 31 order required decisions within three months, a timeline that expired on October 31 after which the Speaker sought more time.
- Senior counsel for the Speaker assured a decision within two weeks as the court pressed for a ruling by next week or contempt would follow.
- Reiterating that the Speaker acts as a tribunal under the Tenth Schedule, the court said he is subject to judicial review and urged Parliament to rethink the current mechanism.
- The petitions seek to disqualify 10 BRS MLAs who joined Congress after the 2023 election, a decision that could trigger bypolls, with lawyers noting several hearings are already complete.