Shiv Sena MLAs’ disqualification pleas: Speaker Rahul Narwekar to give verdict on Jan 10

The SC had earlier set December 31, 2023 as the deadline for the petitions to be adjudicated, however on the plea of the Speaker, the apex court on December 15 gave a 10-day extension and set January 10 as the new date for a decision.

In June 2022, Shinde and several MLAs had rebelled against then chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, leading to a split in the Sena and fall of the Uddhav led Maha Vikas Aghadi government. After the split in the party, both the factions had filed Cross petitions against each other seeking action against the Sena MLAs under anti-defection laws.

Vidhan Bhavan officials said that the verdict has been finalised and Narvekar will deliver the verdict on Wednesday around 4pm. “The operative part of the verdict is likely to be announced on Wednesday by Narvekar and the detailed order will be given to both groups later,” they added.

If the verdict goes against them, both the factions are prepared to approach the SC for a review.

Following the party’s split, the Election Commission had given the ‘Shiv Sena’ name and ‘bow and arrow’ symbol to the Shinde-led faction, while the one headed by Thackeray was to be called Shiv Sena (UBT) with its symbol being a flaming torch.