Rahul Narwekar, the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly, on Friday stated that he won't be influenced by any outside pressure in his decision regarding the disqualification of 16 Shiv Sena MLAs. He added that the process would take as long as necessary to complete, in response to the verdict on the 2022 political situation in the state handed down by the Supreme Court on the previous day, news agency PTI reported.
According to him, the Speaker's position is not affiliated with any specific party. Rather, it belongs to the entire House and the individual holding the position must make decisions in adherence to the constitutional guidelines.
“Those who believe in democracy and the Constitution should not put extra constitutional pressure. As a Speaker, I will not succumb to any pressure. Whatever time is required to dispose of the petition will be taken and there will be no compromise on it,” Narwekar, who is in London, told Marathi news channel Zee 24.
In light of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray's earlier remark that the Assembly Speaker should make a prompt decision regarding the disqualification of 16 dissenting MLAs, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Narwekar made a statement. Narwekar stated that the disqualification matter will be resolved by considering all significant legal, political, and legislative factors.
“It will be seen who controlled the political party and which group represented the political party…all details will be taken as per Supreme Court's directions and will work accordingly. There are many petitions…all rules of the CPC (Code of Civil Procedure) are applicable to the petitions and all aspects like leading the evidence, cross-examination, examination-in-chief, giving hearing to everyone…all points will be followed religiously and only then a decision will be taken,” the Speaker was quoted by PTI in its report.
He stated that a ruling on the issue would be made in compliance with legal principles and in conformity with the constitution.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court declared that it is not in a position to reinstate the MVA government under Thackeray's leadership, due to his resignation as CM without undergoing a floor test in June of last year. However, the court did make crucial comments about former Governor B S Koshyari in relation to the political upheaval sparked by a rebellion within the Shiv Sena.
The request was made to the Assembly Speaker to make a decision on the disqualification of 16 MLAs from the Shinde faction in a timely manner.