Defected MLAs asked to file counter affidavits in High Court

The Telangana High Court on Thursday directed Congress MLAs Danam Nagender and Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy to file their counters in petitions challenging the Speaker’s refusal to disqualify defected legislators.

By Our Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin of the Telangana High Court on Thursday directed MLAs Danam Nagender and Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy to file their counters in the batch of petitions challenging the Assembly Speaker’s decision rejecting disqualification proceedings against MLAs accused of defecting from the BRS to the ruling Congress party.

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The Division Bench was hearing a batch of writ petitions filed by BRS legislators questioning the orders of Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, who had held that there was insufficient material to conclude that the ten legislators had incurred disqualification under the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution.

The petitioners contended that despite ample material being placed before the Speaker to establish defection, no action had been taken against the legislators who had allegedly switched allegiance after being elected on BRS tickets in the 2023 Assembly elections.

The present batch of petitions also includes a plea filed by BJP Legislature Party leader Aleti Maheshwar Reddy seeking disqualification of Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender on the grounds of defection.

During the hearing, the Bench took note of the submissions and directed respondents Danam Nagender and Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy to place their stand on record by filing counters. The matter was adjourned to July 22 for further hearing.