In 11 Points, the Verdict of the Supreme Court on Maharashtra Crisis Explained

The verdict by the Supreme Court in the Maharashtra case is an important one. There are several key takeaways from the verdict.

The battle was a lengthy one between chief minister Eknath Shinde and former chief minister, Uddhav Thackeray.

Here are some some top points from the judgment.

1. The decision of former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari to call for a floor test best on the request of 34 MLAs from the Eknath Shinde faction was incorrect.
2. Koshiyari did not have enough objective material to conclude that the then chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had lost the confidence of the House.
3. The 'status quo ante' cannot however not be restored as Uddhav had chosen to resign instead of face the floor test.
4. Governor was wrong to conclude Uddhav Thackeray lost majority.
5. Governor was justified in inviting Eknath Shinde to form the government.
6. Not possible to unseat Eknath Shinde now as Thackeray had resigned on his own will.
7. A legislative party is not entitled to entitled to appoint a whip. Political party and legislative party are not the same.
8. The Speaker is entitled to decided on a disqualification petition. The Election Commission of India can decide on which is the real party simultaneously.
9. The Supreme Court cannot decide on disqualification petitions in the first instance.
10. A split in a political party is no loner a defence to MLAs/MPs facing disqualification proceedings.
11. The MLAs who are facing disqualification can take part in the House.