Archive · 22 Jul 2026
SC Refuses Stay on Merger of Sena MPs
The Supreme Court has decided not to temporarily stop a decision made by the Lok Sabha Speaker about six members of the Shiv Sena (UBT) joining the Shinde-led faction.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) argues that this decision is not legal because the MPs were elected under their symbol and there are no ongoing disqualification proceedings.
The Speaker, however, recognized the merger and it was officially recorded.
The court will now hear from all sides and decide on the matter in two weeks.
The Supreme Court refused to stay the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shinde-led faction.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) argues that the merger is legally untenable and raises issues of constitutional morality.
The Speaker recognized the merger, increasing the Shinde camp's strength in the Lok Sabha to 13 members.
The court will consider the legality of the Speaker's decision after receiving replies from all parties.
The matter is expected to be taken up again after two weeks.
- Who
- Shiv Sena (UBT) and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
- What
- Supreme Court refuses to stay the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shinde-led faction
- When
- June 18 (decision), two weeks from the notice (next hearing)
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- To examine the legality of the Speaker's decision on the merger
Shiv Sena (UBT)
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
Validity of Merger
Shiv Sena (UBT)
The merger is legally untenable as the MPs were elected on the Shiv Sena (UBT) symbol and no disqualification proceedings are pending.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
The merger was recognized and reflected in an official circular issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
Constitutional Morality
Shiv Sena (UBT)
The merger raises significant issues of constitutional morality and propriety.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
The Speaker's decision is in accordance with the procedures and does not violate any constitutional provisions.
Jurisdiction of the Speaker
Shiv Sena (UBT)
The Speaker lacks the jurisdiction to recognize such a merger as it does not fall under the Tenth Schedule's disqualification provisions.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
The Speaker has the authority to recognize the merger as per the established procedures.
- Date of Decision
- June 18
- Number of MPs Involved
- 6
- Current Strength of Shinde Camp
- 13
- Court Hearing Date
- Two weeks from the notice
- Judges Involved
- Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe