Supreme Court issues fresh notices to Telangana speaker

The Supreme Court has once again issued notices to Telangana Legislative Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, expressing concern over the prolonged delay in deciding disqualification petitions against Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs who defected to the ruling Congress party.

This move comes as the court intensifies its scrutiny, with the next hearing scheduled for March 25, 2025. 

Court presses for action 

A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Augustine George Masih had previously directed the Speaker’s office to respond by March 22, following petitions filed by BRS leaders and MLAs. The petitioners allege that the Speaker has failed to act on disqualification pleas against ten BRS MLAs who switched allegiance after the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections. However, with no response forthcoming, the court issued fresh notices today, signaling its impatience with the delay. 

The case revolves around two separate disqualification petitions: 

1. Seven MLAs: Srinivas Reddy Parigi, Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy, Kale Yadaiah, T. Prakash Goud, A. Gandhi, Gudem Mahipal Reddy, and M. Sanjay Kumar. 

2. Three MLAs: Venkata Rao Tellam, Kadiyam Srihari, and Danam Nagender. 

The BRS contends that the Speaker’s inaction violates anti-defection provisions under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, thereby undermining democratic principles. 

The court had pressed the Speaker’s office to define a “reasonable period” for deciding such cases—a question that remains unanswered.