C. P. Joshi, the Rajasthan Assembly Speaker, on the 21st of July, announced to move the Supreme Court (SC) against the orders of the Rajasthan High Court.
Recently, the Rajasthan HC asked Mr. Joshi not to decide regarding the disqualification notices, issued to Sachin Pilot, former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan and other 18 lawmakers.
The High Court reviewed a petition filed by the Sachin Pilot’s political team against the disqualification notices issued.
The division bench of Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Prakash Gupta heard the petition filed by the Sachin Pilot camp challenging the disqualification notice.
The court proceedings were conducted on the 20th and 21st of July.
The HC during a hearing on the 21st of July asked Speaker C.P. Joshi, not to move forward on the disqualification notices till the 24th of July.
While Mukul Rohatgi was representative of the Sachin Pilot political team, Abhishek Manu Sanghvi was arguing on behalf of the Rajasthan Government.
During the hearing, Mr. Mukul said, “Mind you, we are in the middle of Covid–19 and only three days time is given for reply,” Rohatgi said.
While Mr. Mukul argued on the Constitutional validity of the disqualification notices, Mr. Singhvi said, “Pilot’s petition is premature. It’s not maintainable,” he said. Singhvi’s contention was based on the fact that the Speaker has not adjudicated on the matter so far.
Prateek Kasliwal, Counsel for Joshi, said, “It is wrong to accuse the Speaker of being biased. It is up to the Speaker to decide which matter he wants to take up first. If that argument is allowed, then people will begin questioning why their petitions have not been taken first. All arguments have concluded.”
Meanwhile Mr. Joshi decided to move the Supreme Court. He said, “I don’t want a confrontation. I respect the judges… but the roles are well defined.” He further added, “The Speaker has the complete authority to send a show cause notice. I have asked my counsel to file (a) SLP in (the) Supreme Court.”
The Rajasthan High Court adjourned the matter to the 24th of July.
Stay tuned for further updates.
