NEW DELHI : The Supreme Court today issued notice to Maharashtra government and Centre on Sena-NCP-Congress petition seeking composite floor test while challenging governor’s invitation to Fadnavis-led BJP to form govt in Maharashtra.
The Bench comprising Justices NV Ramana, Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna also directed the BJP to produce by 10.30 am, Monday, the letters of support the party handed over to the governor in claim of its majority.
Initiating the arguments, Shiv Sena lawyer Kapil Sibal said that there was nothing on record revealed by the governor to show that there was a formal claim by BJP through Fadnavis to form the government.
What happened between 7 pm of 22 Nov and 5 am on 23 Nov is shrouded in mystery, he added.
Sibal proceeded to challenge BJP claim, saying if Fadnavis has the numbers he must prove it today on the floor of the House, failing which the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance would demonstrate it tomorrow.
Senior advocate AM Singhvi, appearing for Congress and NCP, claimed that, of the 54 NCP MLAs, 41 have signed a letter sent to governor, declaring the removal of Ajit Pawar as legislature party chief.
Citing logjam of UP in 1998 and Karnataka in 2018, Singhvi said, in similar cases of the past, the Supreme Court has always directed immediate floor test to prevent possible horse-trading of MLAs.
A composite floor test should be held today for both Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray, to determine who has majority support in the House, Singhvi said.
BJP and independents responded saying, there is no need for court to pass an order today, adding that there was no illegality in governor decision and that no floor test date need to be fixed by the Bench.
Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress were sleeping for three weeks and woke up only when gover took decision to invite BJP to form the govt, BJP told SC.
The apex court is expected to arrive at a final ruling on Monday.
