Speaker’s stamp, case still open
The Congress’s friends got a day out at the Speaker’s desk. The court that counts is still asking for the paperwork.
The Speaker’s orders have been issued; the challenge remains before the High Court.
The Speaker dismissed all 10 disqualification petitions against MLAs elected on BRS tickets, in stages from December 17, 2025 to March 12, 2026 — citing, as reported, a lack of conclusive documentary proof that they had voluntarily quit the party. According to court coverage, the orders said there was “no solid proof” of giving up membership.
That timing met a Supreme Court clock. On July 31, 2025, the Court had directed the Speaker to finish the cases “within a period of three months.” On March 12, 2026, the Court recorded that the direction stood complied with once decisions issued — and told the Speaker’s Office to hand over the full record within four working days. A deadline met is not a merits medal.
The real action is in the Telangana High Court, where BRS MLAs — joined in one petition by the BJP’s floor leader — have challenged the dismissals as perverse and contrary to the Tenth Schedule and Assembly rules. A Division Bench issued notices to the Speaker and seven MLAs on March 25, then told respondents to file counters by May 6, gave more time in May, and on June 25 gave a final three weeks and asked for the original dismissal orders to be produced. The case remained live, because the Speaker’s reasoning still needs to survive a court, not just a press note.
Two facts to keep straight. One, “defection” is the allegation the petitions argue — the finding is what the High Court will or won’t make. Two, claims that the Congress government protected these MLAs are political charges; what’s on the judicial record is the Speaker insisting on tribunal neutrality while the High Court asks to see the actual orders. The Congress can celebrate a stamp; it hasn’t earned a verdict.