Mon Jan 05 19:08:00 UTC 2026: Telangana Speaker Dismisses Disqualification Petitions Against Defecting MLAs

Telangana Assembly Speaker G. Prasad Kumar dismissed disqualification petitions against five Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs who allegedly defected to the Congress party after the December 2023 elections. The Speaker’s decision, made while acting as chairman of the Tribunal, has drawn criticism from the BRS and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who allege bias. The Speaker has kept the decision in abeyance for three MLAs and has not conducted hearings for two others.

The Speaker addressed the “locus standi” of the petitioners, questioning if disqualification petitions must be filed by a party-authorized representative. While citing rules from 1986, the Speaker seemingly disregarded a Supreme Court observation regarding the right of “any person interested” to report disqualification. The Supreme Court had previously urged Parliament to review the expectation that Speakers should address political defection without bias.

The dismissal comes amidst a Supreme Court deadline to decide on the petitions, with the court expressing concern over delays in resolving legislator disqualification proceedings. The BRS plans to explore legal options, arguing the Speaker’s actions were influenced by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Speaker G. Prasad Kumar dismissed disqualification petitions against five BRS MLAs accused of defecting to Congress.
  • The Speaker’s decision has been criticized by the BRS and BJP, alleging bias and political influence.
  • The ruling centered on the “locus standi” of petitioners and whether they were authorized to file the disqualification pleas.
  • The Supreme Court previously urged Parliament to address delays and potential bias in Speaker decisions regarding defections.
  • The BRS is considering legal challenges following the dismissal of the petitions.

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