Maharashtra government formation: All that happened in Supreme Court today
What's the story
On Sunday, the Supreme Court held proceedings with regard to the joint petition filed by the Shiv Sena, Congress party, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) over the hush-hush government formation in Maharashtra. A three-judge bench of the SC, comprising Justices NV Ramana, Ashok Bhushan, and Sanjiv Khanna has now directed Centre to produce two key document proofs, while denying an immediate floor test.
Information
Produce documents by 10:30 am tomorrow: SC directs Centre
Notably, the Centre is now required to produce letters of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis claiming a majority in the Assembly, and that of the Governor's invitation to form government, by 10:30 am tomorrow. Reportedly, BJP asked for more time, which was turned down by SC.
Backstory
Sena-Congress-NCP moved Supreme Court, challenging Governor Koshyari
The development comes after President's Rule was revoked in Maharashtra, in an unprecedented manner, yesterday morning. Minutes after that, BJP's Fadnavis and NCP's rebel minister Ajit Pawar took oath as the CM and Deputy CM of the state, respectively. Subsequently, Sena-NCP-Congress moved the Supreme Court. Their petition challenged Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari's "arbitrary and malafide actions" for "installing a minority BJP government."
Details
Kapil Sibal appeared for Sena, Singhvi represented NCP-Congress
In today's hearing, Kapil Sibal represented Sena, while Abhishek Singhvi appeared on behalf of the Congress-NCP duo. Sibal urged that the court should order the floor test today itself. If Fadnavis-led BJP has the numbers, let them prove that in the Assembly, he argued. However, if they don't, Sena-NCP-Congress should be given the chance to form the government, he summed.
Governor
Singhvi questioned Governor's actions, asked pointed questions
Meanwhile, Singhvi questioned Governor Koshyari's actions. He said, "When the announcement was made at 7 pm that we are staking claim to form the government and Uddhav Thackeray will lead it, couldn't the Governor wait." He also demanded an immediate trust vote. In fact, up until late Friday, Sena head Uddhav was set to become the CM through a Sena-Congress-NCP alliance.
Quote
Ajit Pawar's appointment as Deputy CM is invalid, says Singhvi
Singhvi further argued that Ajit Pawar's appointment as Deputy CM is invalid, as he has since been removed as the legislative party leader. "How can he continue as the Deputy Chief Minister if he doesn't have the strength of his own party," he asked.
BJP's take
Why there is an SC hearing on Sunday, asked Rohatgi
On the other hand, Mukul Rohatgi, representing the BJP, asked why there was an SC hearing on Sunday. He asserted there was no need for court to pass order today. He argued that there are some powers with President which aren't open to judicial intervention. Claiming that the three-party alliance has no fundamental right, he said there are no supporting documents to their claims.
History
A recap of what has happened in Maharashtra so far
Evidently, Maharashtra has been facing a political deadlock ever since the results of October 21 Assembly polls came out. Even though the pre-poll alliance of Sena-BJP earned a majority, the government couldn't be formed due to power tussle. The Sena wanted a rotational CM policy, but BJP didn't agree. Subsequently, President's rule was imposed in the state on November 12.