Is Telangana Assembly Speaker Hearing Disqualification Petitions?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Historic trial initiated by the Speaker of Telangana Assembly.
- High-profile defected MLAs summoned for cross-examination.
- Security measures implemented to ensure order during proceedings.
- First occurrence of such hearings in Telangana Assembly history.
- Supreme Court involvement to expedite the decision-making process.
Hyderabad, Sep 29 (NationPress) Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar initiated a trial on Monday regarding petitions submitted by the BRS for the disqualification of defected MLAs. The turncoat MLAs, including T Prakash Goud (Rajendranagar), Kale Yadaiah (Chevella), Gudem Mahipal Reddy (Patancheru), and Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy (Jogulamba Gadwal), have been summoned for hearings on Monday and Wednesday.
The Speaker commenced the cross-examination of the petitioners' legal representatives by the four defected MLAs and vice versa. This in-camera trial, starting at 11 A.M., is set to run until 4 P.M.
The proceedings under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution began with BRS MLA Kalvakuntla Sanjay being cross-examined by T Prakash Goud’s counsel. Following this, Chinta Prabhakar will be cross-examined by the counsels of Kale Yadaiah and Gudem Mahipal Reddy. The final cross-examination will involve Palla Rajeshwar Reddy by Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy’s counsel.
On October 1, Prakash Goud will be examined by Kalvakuntla Sanjay’s counsel, while Kale Yadaiah and Gudem Mahipal Reddy will be examined by Chinta Prabhakar’s counsel. Lastly, Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy will face scrutiny from Palla Rajeshwar Reddy’s counsel.
This marks a historic occasion for the Telangana Assembly, being the first time the Speaker is overseeing hearings related to disqualification petitions.
Significant security measures have been implemented at the Legislature building, with restrictions imposed. Media personnel and visitors are prohibited from entering the premises.
Both petitioners and respondents, along with their advocates, are instructed not to bring mobile devices into the court hall. Individuals caught recording proceedings or taking photos will have their devices confiscated, and the involved advocates will be barred from appearing in court, as per Legislature Secretary V. Narasimha Charyulu.
Last year, BRS leaders filed petitions to disqualify 10 party MLAs who defected to the ruling Congress party. They later approached the Supreme Court concerning the Speaker's delay in addressing their petitions.
On July 31, the Supreme Court instructed the Assembly to resolve the disqualification petitions of the 10 BRS MLAs, who switched allegiance to Congress after the November 2023 elections, within three months.
After reviewing the responses from the turncoat MLAs, the Speaker decided to proceed with the trial.