BRS submits response to Speaker over disqualification petitions against ''turncoat'' MLAs
Hyderabad (PTI): The BRS has submitted its response to the notices sent by Telangana Assembly Speaker G Prasad Kumar over the disqualification petitions against its MLAs who allegedly shifted loyalties to the ruling Congress.
The Speaker had earlier asked for the replies of the 'turncoat MLAs' on the disqualification petitions filed against them by BRS, senior party leader and MLA G Jagadish Reddy told reporters on Monday.
After the 'defector MLAs' furnished their replies, the Speaker has sought response from BRS and gave three days time to respond, he said.
The Speaker sought response in respect of eight turncoat MLAs, while BRS on Monday responded with regards to six legislators.
The reply in regard to the two other MLAs would be submitted later, Jagadish Reddy said.
Though 'turncoat MLAs' informed the Speaker that they have not quit BRS, the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led party has presented proof of such MLAs shifting loyalty to the Congress, he further said.
Jagadish Reddy hoped that the Speaker would take decision on the disqualification petitions as per law.
Otherwise, BRS would continue its fight for the disqualification of the 'defected MLAs' in court, he said.
He also hoped that the MLAs, who allegedly switched over to Congress, would be disqualified.
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on July 31 directed the speaker to decide in three months, the disqualification pleas against 10 BRS MLAs who switched allegiance to the ruling Congress, saying political defections have the power to disrupt democracy if not curbed.
Speaker Prasad Kumar had earlier said he will consult legal experts after receiving the SC order copy on the issue of disqualification of BRS MLAs and take future course of action.
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Ordinance issued to increase number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38
New Delhi (PTI): The government has promulgated an ordinance to increase the strength of the Supreme Court from the present 34 judges to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
The law ministry notified the ordinance on Saturday, which amended the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, to increase the sanctioned strength of the top court.
So far, the sanctioned strength of the top court was 34, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Now, the number of judges has been increased by four, taking the sanctioned strength to 38.
The top court will now have 37 judges, other than the CJI.
With the apex court having two vacancies at present, and the ordinance coming into force immediately, the Supreme Court Collegium will now have to recommend six names for appointment as judges in the top court.
A bill will be brought in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to convert the ordinance – an executive order – into a law passed by Parliament.
The Union Cabinet had cleared a draft bill on May 5 to increase the number of apex court judges.
The strength of the Supreme Court was last increased from 30 to 33 (excluding the CJI) in 2019.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, as originally enacted in 1956, put the maximum number of judges (excluding the CJI) at 10.
This number was increased to 13 by the Supreme Court (Number of Judges), Amendment Act, 1960, and to 17 by another amendment to the law.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1986, augmented the strength of judges from 17 to 25, excluding the CJI.
A fresh amendment in 2009 further increased the strength from 25 to 30.
Article 124(3) of the Constitution lists the qualifications required to become a Supreme Court judge.
An Indian citizen who has either served as a high court judge for at least five years, or as an advocate for 10 years, or is a distinguished jurist, can be appointed to the top court.
The strength of the Supreme Court is increased based on the recommendations of the CJI, who writes to the Union law minister. After consulting the finance ministry, the Department of Justice under the law ministry moves the Cabinet with a draft bill.
