On August 25, the Lok Sabha Speaker issued notices to them in connection with the disqualification petition filed by Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee, seeking their replies within a week. As the deadline was set to end on Tuesday, the MPs have sought additional time to respond.
In their letters, MPs have stated that Abhishek Banerjee, in his 22-page petition, has mentioned several issues that require a detailed and appropriate response. For that, the members have sought three weeks’ time, till September 22.
It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court also issued notice to these MPs on August 25, with the next hearing scheduled for September 18.
Banerjee had filed 20 separate petitions on June 18, seeking disqualification of the 20 MPs under Rule 6 of the Members of Lok Sabha (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 1985. These MPs had rebelled against Trinamool and subsequently merged with NCPI, demanding recognition as a separate political entity. Before the Parliament’s monsoon session, the Speaker provided separate seating arrangements for the 20 rebel MPs. However, the Speaker’s office has not yet recognised them as a parliamentary party.
