Archive · 7 Nov 2025
MP High Court Issues Notice on MLA Disqualification Delay
Imagine a lawmaker who was elected to represent one political party but then decided to join a different party.
This is generally not allowed without re-entering elections.
A leader from the first party asked the head of the state's assembly, called the Speaker, to remove this lawmaker.
However, the Speaker took a very long time to make a decision.
So, the leader asked the High Court for help.
The High Court then told the Speaker and the lawmaker to explain why the decision took so long.
They have to tell their side of the story in court soon.
The court wants to make sure that rules about not switching parties are followed fairly and quickly.
Madhya Pradesh High Court issued notices to the Assembly Speaker and MLA Nirmala Sapre.
The notices challenge the delay in deciding a disqualification plea against MLA Sapre.
Sapre switched from Congress to the ruling BJP, and the plea was filed 16 months ago.
Petitioner argues the Speaker's inaction violates Supreme Court guidelines for timely decisions.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 18 and seeks responses from the Speaker and MLA.
- Who
- The Madhya Pradesh High Court, Assembly Speaker, Bina MLA Nirmala Sapre, and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar.
- What
- The High Court issued notices to the Assembly Speaker and MLA Nirmala Sapre challenging the delay in deciding a disqualification plea against the MLA for switching parties.
- When
- Notices were issued on Friday, November 7, with the next hearing scheduled for November 18. The disqualification plea was filed 16 months prior.
- Where
- Madhya Pradesh High Court, Jabalpur.
- Why
- The Leader of Opposition filed a plea alleging the Speaker's inaction in deciding the disqualification of MLA Nirmala Sapre for defecting from Congress to BJP, citing a delay of 16 months.
Petitioner (Leader of Opposition)
Assembly Speaker & MLA Sapre
Delay in Disqualification Decision
Petitioner (Leader of Opposition)
The Speaker's inaction on the disqualification plea for 16 months is contrary to Supreme Court directives, which mandate decisions within three months.
Assembly Speaker & MLA Sapre
The Speaker and MLA Sapre are required to file their responses to the High Court's notice regarding the delay.
MLA's Defection
Petitioner (Leader of Opposition)
Nirmala Sapre, elected as a Congress MLA, defected to the BJP, violating anti-defection provisions.
Assembly Speaker & MLA Sapre
MLA Sapre joined the BJP in the presence of the Chief Minister, implying a change in political affiliation.
- Petitioner
- Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar
- Respondent 1
- Assembly Speaker
- Respondent 2
- Bina MLA Nirmala Sapre
- MLA's Original Party
- Congress
- MLA's Current Party
- BJP
- Disqualification Plea Filed
- 16 months ago
- Court Hearing Date
- November 7
- Next Hearing Date
- November 18