Uttarakhand crisis: Setback for BJP as HC bars 9 disqualified Cong MLAs from floor test

The court's decision means that the Congress could scrape together a slim majority with support from outside MLAs; SC to hear MLAs' plea at 2 PM today

In a boost to sacked Chief Minister Harish Rawat, the Uttarakhand High Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by nine Congress MLAs against their disqualification, a decision that will bar them from participating in a crucial floor test in the Assembly tomorrow.

Justice U C Dhyani pronounced his order on the petition challenging Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal's decision disqualifying them after they joined hands with the BJP during proceedings on the Appropriation Bill on March 18.

"We are grateful to HC, welcome HC's order," Chief Minister Harish Rawat said following the court's verdict. "Justice has been done with us today, I'm confident justice will be done with us tomorrow and in future." 

Today's order of the high court ensures that their disqualification stays and will keep the rebel MLAs out of the proceedings during the confidence vote for Rawat in the Assembly tomorrow ordered by the Supreme Court last week.

The rebel MLAs, meanwhile, have now decided to approach the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing against the Uttarakhand HC's order. The apex court is likely to hear the issue today at 2 PM.

Uttarakhand has witnessed a political and legal turmoil after President's rule was imposed in the state, citing a sting operation which shows acceptance of bribes by senior leaders in the Congress. After a huge uproar over the issue, Congress approached the Uttarakhand HC, which went on to quash the President's rule in the state.

Interestingly, the chief justice of Uttarakhand High Court, KM Joseph, was transferred later last week to the Andhra Pradesh High Court in Hyderabad.