Sena rebels move SC over show-cause notice deadline

Mumbai: The Sena rebels, led by MVA Minister for Urban Development Eknath Shinde, have moved the Supreme Court against their impending disqualification, as sought by Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Narhari Zirwal.
“The dissenting MLAs contend that they were given a very short time to appear before the deputy speaker. They say that the 48- hour deadline is impractical as they are currently in Assam, which has been hit by major flooding and is also very far away from Maharashtra,” a person close to the development told First India. The rebels say they should have been given at least a week to respond to the disqualification show-cause notice, which would have allowed them an opportunity to consider all legal and technical aspects of the notice.

“It is the normal procedure to allow for a reasonable time period in such matters. Instead, the deputy speaker has given them 48 hours over the weekend when government offices are closed and asked them to be present on Monday. The rebels have cited that this is an unreasonable request and against the principles of natural justice,” the person further said. Further, the rebels will tell the apex court that there is an imminent threat to their lives in Mumbai and Maharashtra while citing the incidents of violence reported in Mumbai and other parts of the state against their offices and residences to bolster this charge.

“The Union Home Ministry was forced to provide Y category security to protect the residences of 15 Shiv Sena MLAs in Maharashtra in the wake of the increased threat perception. Even the Maharashtra governor had to ask the MVA government (read state home department) to provide adequate security to the rebel MLAs, who were part of the MVA government till just a couple of weeks ago,” a senior BJP leader told First India. This person added that the “constant threats” being issued by Sena MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut--including his latest salvo about sending rebel MLAs for a ‘post-mortem’ once they return to Mumbai--would also be brought the notice of the judiciary.