The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) Members of Parliament over a petition seeking their disqualification under the anti-defection law. The petition was filed by TMC General Secretary and Lok Sabha leader Abhishek Banerjee, who alleged an undue delay in deciding the disqualification proceedings after the MPs broke away from the party and aligned themselves with the National Citizens Party of India (NCPI). During the hearing, the Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, sought responses from the rebel lawmakers while emphasizing the need for a time-bound conclusion of the proceedings.

The court did not issue a notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Speaker, informed the Bench that notices had already been served in the disqualification proceedings. However, the judges observed that merely issuing notices was not sufficient and stressed that the matter should be decided within a reasonable timeframe. The petition challenges the delay in adjudicating the disqualification pleas, arguing that prolonged inaction undermines the purpose of the anti-defection law and creates uncertainty regarding the status of the MPs concerned.

The controversy began after 20 TMC Lok Sabha MPs announced that they had merged with the Tripura-based National Citizens Party of India (NCPI) and later participated in NDA meetings as a separate parliamentary group. The Trinamool Congress maintains that the MPs voluntarily gave up their party membership after being elected on the TMC symbol and should therefore face disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The rebel MPs, however, contend that their move constitutes a legally valid merger and should not attract disqualification. The Supreme Court’s proceedings are expected to play a significant role in determining the future of the lawmakers and clarifying the legal position surrounding the dispute.