The high-profile Telangana MLA defection case has reached a crucial stage, with the Supreme Court scheduled to hear key petitions today. The case involves 10 MLAs who shifted allegiance from the BRS to the ruling Congress party. Political tension has grown as the hearing could shape the future of the defected legislators.
A bench comprising Justice Augustine George Masih and Justice Sanjay Karol will take up the matter. The case has remained one of the most debated political issues in Telangana over the past several months.
Speaker Clears Eight MLAs After Inquiry
The controversy intensified after Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar completed hearings on disqualification petitions. He granted a clean chit to eight of the 10 MLAs. The Speaker stated that the petitioners failed to produce clear evidence proving voluntary defection. Based on this finding, he dismissed the disqualification pleas.
The decision triggered sharp reactions across political circles. Both the BRS and the BJP moved the Supreme Court, challenging the Speaker’s order. They argued that the Speaker’s decision weakened the intent of anti-defection laws and raised constitutional concerns.
Supreme Court Observations and Contempt Plea
During earlier hearings, the Supreme Court made strong remarks on delays in deciding defection cases. The judges reminded the Speaker that the Tenth Schedule places a constitutional duty on Speakers to act swiftly. At one point, the court questioned whether it should intervene if timely decisions were not taken.
BJP MLA Maheshwar Reddy later filed a separate petition challenging the Speaker’s conduct. He also submitted a contempt plea, alleging that the Speaker ignored Supreme Court directions. The petition claimed that the Speaker issued clean chits without following timelines and judicial guidance.
With today’s hearing, attention has shifted to whether the Supreme Court will uphold the Speaker’s findings or act on the contempt allegations. The court’s response is expected to carry major political implications in Telangana.
