The dispute over the MPs’ status has also reached the Supreme Court. TMC MP and general-secretary Abhishek Banerjee had approached the Speaker in June, seeking the disqualification of the 20 MPs. He later moved the Supreme Court, alleging a delay in deciding the petitions.
The TMC has maintained that the MPs, having been elected on the party’s ticket, effectively gave up their party membership by joining the NCPI. The rebel MPs, however, have sought recognition as a separate parliamentary group and disputed the basis of the disqualification proceedings.
The Supreme Court issued notices in the matter on 25 August. During a hearing on Wednesday, 23 September, the court stressed the need for an early resolution of the issue and indicated that the proceedings should be dealt with expeditiously.
TMC MP and advocate Kalyan Banerjee said the latest extension fell within the period referred to during the Supreme Court proceedings. “The Supreme Court had set a four-week timeframe, while also noting that the Speaker’s actions would be monitored. Within that period, the Speaker has granted two weeks. The NCPI MPs must submit their response within this time. We will announce our next course of action later,” he said.
The issue began after the 20 MPs announced their move towards the NCPI. Though they have been allotted separate seats in the Lok Sabha, parliamentary records have continued to list them as TMC members, leaving their formal status unresolved.
