SC 5-Judge Constitution Bench To Hear Thackeray-Shinde Shiv Sena Dispute, Directs EC Not To Pass Any Order

The case will be heard by the constitution bench on Thursday.

Eknath Shinde & Uddhav Thackeray. (Image Source: File Photo)

The Supreme Court has referred the conflict between the Shiv Sena factions of Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde to a five-judge constitution bench for resolution. The case will be heard by the bench on Thursday, news agency ANI reported.

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission not to proceed on an appeal made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's camp seeking recognition as the "true Shiv Sena" party and the use of the "bow and arrow" emblem until Thursday.

Supreme Court orders Election Commission not to take any action till Thursday on the application filed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's camp for recognition as the 'real Shiv Sena' party and allotment of the 'bow and arrow' symbol to it.

— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2022

"List the matter before the constitution bench the day after tomorrow and the bench will decide about the symbol related to the Election Commission proceeding at the beginning," the bench also comprising Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli was quoted by PTI in its report.

A three-judge panel comprised of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice Krishna Murari, and Justice Hima Kohli forwarded the petitions to a five-judge bench, citing major constitutional issues, LiveLaw reported.

On the request of Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared on behalf of the Uddhav camp, to prevent the Election Commission of India from deciding Eknath Shinde's claims as the official Shiv Sena party, the CJI agreed to refer the case to the Constitution Bench the day after tomorrow to consider interim relief.

(With Inputs From Agencies)