SC order on Maharashtra govt formation on Tuesday

The Supreme Court Monday said it will pass an order at 10.30 am on Tuesday on the issue of floor test for the Maharashtra government led by Devendra Fadnavis whose swearing-in has been challenged by Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress combine.

The order by a bench of justices N V Ramana, Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna is keenly awaited as the combine has sought advancement of the floor test for which the BJP-led government was granted 14 days on November 23 by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The deadline for the floor test was apprised by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who was representing Fadnavis.

In the House of 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, BJP is the single-largest party with 105 MLAs, followed by the Shiv Sena (56 MLAs), NCP (54 MLAs) and Congress (44 MLAs)
Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the secretary to Governor, said: "The Governor was immune to the proceedings in the apex court."
"I am the NCP", Singh said on behalf of Ajit Pawar. "There is nothing to contradict my list. I was authorised to lend support on the day I gave that letter. I will resolve disputes within my party but this petition must end now."
The combine said there was a prima facie case for passing an interim order. "What was the urgency for revocation of President's rule and giving oath to Fadnavis as chief minister? Is there anything on record to show urgency?," Sibal and Singhvi asked. "If the BJP has the majority, why is it worried? I am happy to lose on the floor of the Assembly."