Plea in Supreme Court challenges Speaker Om Birla's decision to clear Uddhav Sena MPs' merger with Shinde Sena

A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court to challenge Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision to recognize the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

The matter was mentioned before a Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi on Tuesday for urgent listing.

"This is an important matter.. Speaker recognises the merger of my 6 MPs to merge with the rival party. This shows an important of a constitutional position. Speaker has recognised late Saturday night and it has brought parliament work for the party to a standstill," Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat submitted.

CJI Kant agreed to list the plea.

"We don't know about tomorrow. But we will list it," CJI Kant said.

Speaker OM Birla had recognized the merger of six MPs of Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) with Shine-led Shiv Sena on June 18, leading to an increase in its strength in the Lok Sabha from seven to 13.

This decision was reflected in a circular issued by the Lok Sabha about the revised party position in the lower house of the parliament.