Last Chance in Defection Drama

SC sets 3-weeks deadline for Telangana Speaker

In a decisive intervention, the Supreme Court has granted the Telangana Legislative Assembly Speaker, Gaddam Prasad Kumar, a final three-week extension to adjudicate pending disqualification petitions against Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) MLAs who defected to the ruling Congress party. The bench, comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and A.G. Masih, warned that failure to comply would invite contempt proceedings, underscoring the Speaker's role as a quasi-judicial tribunal under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which governs anti-defection laws.

The case stems from the defection of 10 BRS MLAs to Congress following the 2023 assembly elections, prompting disqualification pleas filed by BRS leaders including K.T. Rama Rao, Padi Kaushik Reddy, and K.P. Vivekanand. These petitions allege violations of anti-defection provisions aimed at preserving political stability and preventing opportunistic switches. The court has repeatedly criticized delays, noting that such procrastination undermines the constitutional framework and could render the law ineffective if decisions are deferred until the end of the assembly term.

Timeline of events highlights the protracted nature of the proceedings: In July 2025, the apex court initially directed resolution within three months, labeling non-compliance as "gross contempt." A contempt notice followed in November 2025 for inaction. By December 2025, petitions against seven MLAs were rejected, with one more decided by January 2026, leaving two pending. On January 16, 2026, a two-week status update was ordered, but today's hearing saw senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Speaker, cite municipal elections and ongoing hearings as reasons for further delay.

Justice Karol remarked that the issue has become a "new industry" of delays, emphasizing no constitutional immunity shields the Speaker from accountability. Petitioners' counsel highlighted minimal progress, with only one hearing in some cases, and pointed to defectors' active involvement in Congress activities, including contesting elections on the party's ticket.

This ruling reinforces judicial oversight over legislative functions, ensuring timely enforcement of anti-defection norms. Political observers in Telangana view it as a critical juncture that could reshape assembly dynamics, potentially disqualifying remaining defectors and bolstering BRS's position. The Speaker's office has yet to comment, but compliance is expected by early March 2026 to avert contempt action.