Supreme Court Sets October 8 Deadline for Bengal Speaker on Defection Petitions

The Supreme Court on Monday urged the Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly to decide pending disqualification petitions by October 8, setting a firm timeline for a matter that has lingered amid political tensions in the state. The court's direction came while hearing a plea seeking expeditious adjudication of defection cases under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The bench observed that three months is generally a reasonable period for a Speaker to decide such petitions, unless exceptional circumstances justify further delay. The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that Speakers must act within a reasonable time to uphold the integrity of the anti-defection law, and that prolonged inaction can undermine democratic processes. The West Bengal Assembly has seen several such petitions filed against legislators from various parties in recent years.

The order puts pressure on the Speaker to resolve the cases before the deadline, with potential ramifications for the composition of the Assembly and the political balance in the state. Legal experts say the ruling reinforces the judiciary's stance that Speakers cannot indefinitely delay disqualification proceedings. The next hearing is expected after October 8, when the court will review compliance.