The Telangana High Court questioned the conduct of 10 BRS MLAs accused of defecting to the Congress, asking how they acted during Assembly proceedings. Petitioners argued the defectors continued to claim BRS membership despite switching allegiance. The matter was adjourned to Tuesday.
The Supreme Court has given the Telangana Assembly Speaker two weeks to decide on disqualification petitions against 10 BRS MLAs who defected to the Congress. While petitions against nine legislators may be dismissed citing lack of evidence, their cases are expected to face judicial review. Petitioners presented photos and videos of the MLAs joining Congress, but the legislators relied on affidavits denying defection.
Telangana Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar has dismissed disqualification petitions against BRS MLAs Pocharam Srinivas Reddy and Kale Yadaiah, ruling that there was no evidence of defection to the Congress. With this, seven of the 10 MLAs facing charges have been cleared.
"As on today, how much time has passed since the first application? It appears to be an year. Why has not the Speaker's office set a deadline for deciding these petitions?" Justice Gavai asked
