Karnataka crisis: Verdict on 11 rebel MLAs today

PTI

Bangalore, 29 October 2010: The Karnataka High Court will on Friday pronounce its much-awaited verdict on the disqualification of 16 rebel MLAs which is likely to have a bearing on the first-ever BJP government in the south. Justice V G Sabhahit, the third judge who heard the batch of petitions filed by the rebels challenging their disqualification from assembly membership by Speaker K G Bopaiah, will deliver the judgement at 1430 hrs.

 

The case was posted before Justice Sabhahit after a division bench, comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice N Kumar gave a split verdict. While Khehar upheld the Speaker’s ruling, Kumar set aside the disqualification order. After hearing counsels for both parties, Sabhahit reserved for orders on October 21.

 

The ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress-JD(S) combine have been waiting for the verdict with fingers crossed as it will have an impact on the stability of Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa’s government. The court on October 21 refused the plea by five Independents, who also have been disqualified, to allow them to vote during the second motion of confidence moved by Yeddyurappa on October 22 or their votes be kept in a sealed cover till the court decides on their petition.

 

 

However, the court had declared that the floor test outcome was subject to its final order on the petition by Independent MLAs. Speaker Bopaiah ordered disqualification of 16 MLAs -- 11 BJP and five independents -- on October 10 on the eve of the floor test faced by Yeddyurappa.

 

Governor H R Bhardwaj refused to accept the result of the first trust vote adopted by voice vote amid ruckus in the truncated state assembly, but called for a second vote on October 22, which Yeddyurappa won by a 106-100 margin. The petition filed by five independents praying for quashing of the Speaker’s order disqualifying them will come up for hearing on November 2.