Tezzbuzz Desk – A bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard the petition of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. In this petition, a demand has been made to take an early decision on the disqualification petitions. During the hearing, Justice Bagchi said that a delay of even a few months could be a matter of concern, as the possible outcome of the disqualification proceedings could affect other cases and the democratic process.
The bench said, 'Your petition states that three months have passed. Why did you not complete it, when it should take some time and it could have an impact on other matters as well as the democratic process of the country?
Senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee, appearing for Abhishek Banerjee, said that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had issued a notice to the concerned MPs on August 5 and given them 14 days to reply. This deadline was extended till September 22 when the MPs asked for additional time. Now there is a demand to extend the time further also.
At the same time, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Lok Sabha Speaker, opposed the judicial deadline fixed by the court. He said that MPs should be given adequate opportunity to present their side and the Speaker is expected to know what needs to be done in the matter.
The Supreme Court has currently kept the case pending, so that the progress of the proceedings can be monitored. The court has given four weeks time to the rebel MPs to file their reply. The next hearing of the case will be after six weeks.