Supreme Court will intervene only if unconstitutional decision is taken: Maha speaker Rahul Narwekar

File Photo/PTI

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar Monday said that the Supreme Court would only step in to intervene in a decision made by the legislature if that decision is found to be unconstitutional or in violation of the law. Narwekar made these comments in response to questions from reporters regarding petitions filed before the Supreme Court seeking the disqualification of Shiv Sena MLAs who had left Uddhav Thackeray's camp in June of the previous year.

Last year, a revolt led by Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde against the party's leadership resulted in a split within the party and the collapse of the Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government. The breakaway faction, led by Shinde, then formed a new government in alliance with the BJP. Both factions of the Shiv Sena had filed disqualification petitions against each other after Shinde and 39 MLAs broke away from the original party.

Narwekar emphasized, "The Supreme Court will take action on the petitions filed before it. If a decision is unconstitutional or it bypasses the law, then only the SC would intervene. Otherwise, the Supreme Court will not interfere in the functioning of other institutions." He also highlighted the principle of constitutional discipline, where the legislature, judiciary, and executive branches of government are equal and do not superintend over each other.

In a previous development, the Supreme Court had directed Narwekar to provide a timeline within a week for the adjudication of the disqualification petitions filed against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena MLAs loyal to him. The court expressed concern that nothing had been done so far despite its earlier directive to decide on the pleas within a reasonable time frame.

Also read: NCP split: Supreme Court to hear plea on October 13

When asked about allegations of delay in hearing the petitions against the 16 Shiv Sena MLAs (including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde), Narwekar dismissed claims made against his office, stating that allegations made outside the legislative House would not be taken seriously, and he would not succumb to any pressure from those who lack knowledge of the Constitution or the rules governing the disqualification of members on the grounds of defection.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India Monday posted for hearing on the October 13 plea of Sharad Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) seeking directions to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar to act against rebel MLAs led by Ajit Pawar.