Controversy Surrounds Maharashtra Assembly Speaker’s Verdict, Allegations of Contempt of Supreme Court

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In a dramatic turn of events, Constitutional expert Adv. Asim Sarode accused Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar of disregarding directives from the Supreme Court in his recent verdict on the disqualification of MLAs. At a town hall-style meeting in Worli, Sarode alleged that Narwekar “has committed a grave contempt of the apex court” in his handling of the issue, raising serious concerns about the impact on democracy and the Constitution.

Sarode, known for his expertise in constitutional matters, launched a scathing critique of the Speaker’s January 10 ruling, likening it to the rapid preparation of Maggi noodles. He accused Narwekar of employing delaying tactics and delivering a verdict with political motives.

The Constitutional expert contended that the Speaker’s decision favored the majority of the legislature party aligned with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, ignoring the broader political party. Sarode emphasized that while the legislative party has a limited five-year tenure, the political party is a more substantial entity that should take precedence, a factor not considered by the Speaker.

One of the key contentions raised by Sarode was the Speaker’s acceptance of Bharat Gogavale (of Shinde’s faction) as the Chief Whip, despite the Supreme Court declaring his election as ‘illegal.’ Sarode criticized Narwekar for what he perceived as renaming injustice as justice.

Expressing his serious concerns, Sarode asserted that the implications of the Speaker’s ruling go beyond an intra-party dispute, warning that it “portends ill for Democracy and Constitution” in the country. The legal expert claimed that public apprehensions of injustice were validated with the delivery of the verdict on January 10.

Joining the chorus of criticism, Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Spokesperson and MP Sanjay Raut slammed the Speaker’s decision, stating that it “has handed over the Shiv Sena to a bunch of thieves.” Raut characterized the ruling as a blot on Maharashtra’s democratic traditions and questioned its acceptability even to Narwekar’s wife.

The town hall meeting, where these strong criticisms were voiced, witnessed the presence of SS-UBT President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray, alongside other party leaders, office-bearers, and activists. The event was live-streamed across the state, underscoring the widespread concern and debate sparked by the Speaker’s controversial verdict.

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