NEW DELHI :The Supreme Court has referred the conflict between the Shiv Sena factions of Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde to a five-judge constitution bench for resolution. The case will be heard by the bench on Thursday. While referring the matter to a larger bench, the bench led CJI Ramana noted that it was important to settle the issue relating to the power of the Speaker orDeputy Speaker to initiate disqualification proceeding when such proceedings had been initiated against him. In this context, the bench expressed doubts about the law laid down in the 2016 decision in the Nabam Rebia case that a Speaker cannot initiate disqualification proceedings when his removal is sought.
The Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice N.V. Ramana, Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Krishna Murari also directed the Election Commission not to proceed on an appeal made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s camp seeking recognition as the “true Shiv Sena” party and the use of the “bow and arrow” emblem until Thursday.