Shiv Sena split case: Landmark verdict on disqualification pleas on January 10

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The verdict on the disqualification petitions against Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and several MLAs whose rebellion had split the Sena in June 2022 will be delivered on January 10, Wednesday.

Maharashtra Speaker Rahul Narwekar will deliver his verdict in the Shiv Sena split case, Vidhan Bhavan officials said on Monday, newswire PTI reported.

The deadline set by the Supreme Court for delivering the verdict in Shiv Sena split case was December 31, 2023 but some days before that, on December 15, the apex court gave a 10-day extension and set January 10 as the new date for a decision.

In June 2022, Shinde and several MLAs had rebelled against then chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, leading to a split in the Sena and fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, which also comprised the Nationalist Congress Party and the Congress.

Cross petitions were filed by the Shinde and Thackeray factions seeking action against the other under anti-defection laws, the report said.

"The verdict is expected to be out after 4pm on January 10. The Speaker's office is finalising the verdict," Vidhan Bhavan officials said.

"The operative part of the verdict is likely to be announced on that day, while the detailed order will be given to both groups later," they added.

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Functionaries from both factions said they would approach the Supreme Court in case of an unfavourable verdict from the Speaker.

After the rebellion in June 2022, Shinde went on to become CM with the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party. In July last year, the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party joined his government.

The Election Commission gave the 'Shiv Sena' name and 'bow and arrow' symbol to the Shinde-led faction, while the one headed by Thackeray was to be called Shiv Sena (UBT) with its symbol being a flaming torch.

Ahead of the verdict, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut questioned the reported meeting between Shinde and Narwekar. "…the Speaker is like a judge who has gone to meet the accused (Chief Minister) behind closed dors and have lunch with him. The speaker has been given the responsibility by the supreme court. This is objectionable," Raut said.

During the course of the hearings, Narwekar had taken legal consultations with top jurists and constitutional experts in Mumbai and New Dehi. (With inputs from agencies)