Lok Sabha Speaker issues notices to 20 rebel TMC MPs

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has issued notices to 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs, requesting their responses within seven days regarding disqualification pleas. The move follows a petition by TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Supreme Court, which challenges the delay in deciding petitions seeking the disqualification of these members.

The TMC has accused the 20 MPs of abandoning the party to join the National Citizens Party of India (NCPI). Banerjee contends that their actions violate the anti-defection provisions of the Constitution under the Tenth Schedule.

The Supreme Court, led by a bench including Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, has also sought responses from the MPs. During proceedings, Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasized the need to conclude the proceedings within a specific timeframe rather than just issuing notices. TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha has supported the Speaker's action, stating that the rebel MPs must explain their decision to join a relatively unknown party.