Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Supreme Court Seeks Response on Shiv Sena Merger
The Supreme Court is looking into a decision made by the Lok Sabha Speaker about some politicians from the Shiv Sena party.
These politicians wanted to join another group within the same party, but the leader of the original group, Arvind Ganpat Sawant, thinks this is not fair and might be against the rules.
The Supreme Court is going to hear more about this in two weeks to decide if the Speaker's decision was correct.
This is important because it affects how political parties can merge and who can be a part of them.
The Supreme Court refused to stay the Lok Sabha Speaker's decision on the merger of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The merger increases the Shiv Sena's strength in the Lok Sabha from seven to 13 MPs.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Ganpat Sawant challenged the merger, calling it unconstitutional and illegal.
The Anti-Defection Law requires at least two-thirds of a party's members to switch for a merger to avoid disqualification.
The Supreme Court will hear the challenge after two weeks.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Ganpat Sawant
- What
- Challenging the merger of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena
- When
- July 23, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To determine the constitutional validity of the merger and its compliance with the Anti-Defection Law
Shiv Sena (UBT) Opposition
Lok Sabha Speaker's Decision
Merger Validity
Shiv Sena (UBT) Opposition
The merger is unconstitutional and illegal, as it was not signed by the Speaker and raises questions of constitutional morality.
Lok Sabha Speaker's Decision
The merger is valid and follows the procedures outlined in the Anti-Defection Law.
Disqualification Proceedings
Shiv Sena (UBT) Opposition
No disqualification petitions are pending, making the merger order premature and unnecessary.
Lok Sabha Speaker's Decision
The merger order is a procedural step and does not require pending disqualification petitions.
- Date of Supreme Court Hearing
- July 23, 2026
- Lok Sabha Speaker
- Om Birla
- Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader
- Arvind Ganpat Sawant
- Anti-Defection Law
- Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution
- 91st Amendment Act
- Requires two-thirds of party members to switch for a merger to avoid disqualification