[Rajasthan Assembly Speaker's Plea Against HC Order] Live Updates From Supreme Court

Sibal reading a 2006 judgment, “As a Speaker, I must see the conduct of the members. Not attending meeting is one aspect. How do I assess conduct, if you do not reply ?”

J. Mishra - Another decision? Sibal sahab, this question requires a prolonged hearing.

Sibal, after searching for a specific judgement, is now citing a precedent, but stresses that the issue is about anti-party activities more than specific non-attendance of meeting. 

Justice Mishra tells Sibal to show the Court specific judgments on Disqualification after not attending party meeting. 

Sibal argues before the Bench that many SC judgments have held that actions beyond party lines, including not attending meetings, have resulted in disqualification.

Sibal shows the judgments, as the Bench asks for citations.

Sibal - Allegation was that not enough days were given to Reply. These rules are not mandatory but only directory, and they must be governed by principles laid down in the Hollohan case.

Sibal reiterates that the issue is not about attending party meeting. 

Justice Mishra - So, if you don't attend a party meeting, it can be taken that they are going to be disqualified.

Sibal - We are not deciding that. Let the Speaker decide. And who is to say this will be a ground (not attending party meet). 

Sibal is now clarifying to the Bench that SachinPilot and his camp were asked to attend the party meeting not as a whip, but as a notice issued by Chief Whip. 

Sibal, “But I'm not on that. I'm only here against the HC order.”

Justice Mishra - That’s party democracy.

Sibal - Absolutely. Let them come to the party and say this is party democracy. 

Sibal now submits, “I, as a constitutional authority, sought a reply. Why did they not reply. They are giving interviews to TV channels. They say they want to voice their opinion. Let them come to the party meeting and voice their opinion. They need to state that.”

The Bench rejects Salve’s suggestion for the matter to be taken up at 2. Sibal is now back on screen.