Shiv Sena (UBT) Approaches Supreme Court Against Merger of Six MPs with Shinde Faction
The Uddhav Thackeray led faction challenges Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s decision approving the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena ahead of the Monsoon Session.
New Delhi, July 21: The political dispute within Shiv Sena has reached the Supreme Court after the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) faction challenged the Lok Sabha Speaker’s decision allowing the merger of six of its MPs with the Shiv Sena headed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The plea was mentioned before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi by senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, who represented the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction.
Seeking an early hearing, Kamat requested the court to list the matter on Wednesday. Responding to the request, Chief Justice Surya Kant said that the bench would examine the matter.
According to the petition, the Speaker’s approval of the merger on July 18 has raised significant constitutional and political questions regarding the status of elected representatives and the functioning of anti-defection provisions.
UBT Faction Questions Speaker’s Approval
During the hearing, senior advocate Devadatt Kamat informed the court that the Lok Sabha Speaker had recognised the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena before the beginning of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Kamat argued that such developments represent a wider political trend where elected representatives are shifting alliances and merging with rival groups after securing victories against them in elections.
“The Speaker has recognised the merger of six MPs,” Kamat told the bench while highlighting concerns over the implications of such decisions.
Political Battle Within Shiv Sena Continues
The latest legal challenge is another chapter in the prolonged dispute between the two Shiv Sena factions that emerged after the party split in 2022.
The division resulted in two separate groups claiming control over the party’s identity, organisational structure, and legislative strength. The faction led by Eknath Shinde received recognition as the official Shiv Sena, while the Uddhav Thackeray-led group continued its political activities under the Shiv Sena (UBT) banner.
The matter has remained a major political issue in Maharashtra, with both sides approaching constitutional authorities and courts over decisions related to party recognition, legislative actions, and the rights of elected members.
Merger Approval Came Before Monsoon Session
The Lok Sabha Speaker approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena on July 18, just before Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
The decision allowed the MPs to be recognised as part of the Shinde faction in the Lok Sabha, triggering objections from the UBT camp.
The Uddhav Thackeray faction has argued that the move requires judicial scrutiny, as it could have wider implications for democratic processes and the interpretation of anti-defection laws.
Supreme Court to Examine Legal Challenge
The Supreme Court’s consideration of the matter will determine whether the challenge raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) requires detailed examination.
The case is expected to focus on issues related to parliamentary procedures, the authority of the Speaker, merger provisions, and the constitutional framework governing defections and party affiliations.
The outcome could have significance beyond the Shiv Sena dispute, as similar political developments involving party splits and mergers have become increasingly common across states.
