The Supreme Court constitution bench on Tuesday fixed February 14 as the next date for hearing the petitions filed between Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in connection with the political crisis in Maharashtra. The matters were listed before a constitution bench comprising Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, Justices M.R. Shah, Krishna Murari, Hima Kohli, and P.S. Narshimha.
The bench stated that it would hear the same and the matter is now listed for 14th February 2023. CJI DY Chandrachud said– “We will hear the Maharashtra matter on 14th Feb.”
Appearing for the Thackrey faction, senior advocate Kapil Sibbal told the bench that he had indicated in the last hearing that he wants to argue on the need for a seven-judge bench to hear the case. To which the top court replied that the court will first hear the arguments on whether the matter is heard by a seven-judge bench or by a five-judge bench.
It had said that some of the issues involved in the Maharashtra political crisis may require a larger Constitutional bench for consideration.
Earlier, Uddhav Thackeray-led group told the apex court that there is an unconstitutional government running in Maharashtra.
There are batches of petitions pending before the apex court filed by both factions of Shiv Sena.
Whereas Petition preferred by rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde (now the Chief Minister) challenging the disqualification notices issued by the Deputy Speaker and plea filed by Bharat Gogawale and 14 other Shiv Sena MLA’s seeking to restrain the Deputy Speaker from taking any action in the disqualification petition until the resolution for removal of Deputy Speaker is decided.
After the apex court’s order, Uddhav Thackeray announced his resignation as the Chief Minister, and Eknath Shinde was later sworn in as the Chief Minister.
The Uddhav Thackeray faction and the Shinde faction are fighting a legal battle against each other. Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde adopted a rebellious attitude and captured the CM’s chair with the help of the BJP by joining several MLAs of the party with him.
