Will Telangana Assembly Speaker Address Disqualification Cases Starting November 6?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Second phase of disqualification hearings begins on November 6.
- Four MLAs from the BRS are facing disqualification petitions.
- This is a historic moment for the Telangana Assembly.
- The Speaker is under pressure due to Supreme Court directives.
- Political repercussions are expected based on the outcomes.
Hyderabad, Nov 4 (NationPress) The Speaker of the Telangana Assembly, Gaddam Prasad Kumar, is set to initiate the second phase of hearings on November 6 regarding the petitions submitted by the BRS for the disqualification of its MLAs implicated in defection to the ruling Congress party.
This trial, conducted under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, is scheduled for November 6, 7, 12, and 13.
The focus will be on disqualifying four MLAs: Dr Sanjay Kumar (Jagtial), Pocharam Srinivas Reddy (Banswada), Tellam Venkatrao (Bhadrachalam), and Arekapudi Gandhi (Serilingampally).
The proceedings will involve the cross-examination of the petitioners' counsels by these four defected MLAs and vice versa.
Commencing daily at 11 a.m. and concluding at 4 p.m., this in-camera trial marks the second phase of hearings; the first set was conducted on September 29, October 1, and October 24.
The initial hearings addressed the disqualification petitions of T Prakash Goud (Rajendranagar), Kale Yadaiah (Chevella), Gudem Mahipal Reddy (Patancheru), and Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy (Jogulamba Gadwal).
This marks a historic moment in the Telangana Assembly as the Speaker personally oversees disqualification hearings.
The new hearing schedule comes amid reports of the Speaker approaching the Supreme Court for an extension to finalize the pending disqualification cases.
A three-month deadline set by the Supreme Court to conclude these inquiries lapsed on October 31.
On July 31, the apex court directed the Speaker to finalize proceedings within three months.
Last year, BRS leaders submitted petitions to the Speaker seeking the disqualification of ten party MLAs who defected to the ruling Congress.
They escalated the matter to the Supreme Court due to delays in the Speaker's decision on their petitions.
Following the Supreme Court's order, the Speaker issued notices to the defected MLAs. After reviewing the responses from eight MLAs, he opted to proceed with the trial.
Two MLAs, Danam Nagender and Kadiyam Srihari, have yet to respond to the Speaker's notices, requesting additional time.