Thread by @utkarsh_aanand

#SupremeCourt hearing in #MaharashtraGovtFormation case begins with Kapil Sibal expressing apology to 'disturb' judges on a #Sunday. Justice NV Ramana replies saying it is their duty.

Sibal is mapping out the facts of the case along with developments at various stages. He presses for a floor test today itself.

#MaharashtraGovtFormation

Sibal calls Governor's decision as 'bizarre', adds nothing is in public domain as to how the majority was shown to the Governor since no document is in public domain. Judges ask Sibal to stick to the pleadings in the petition.

#MaharashtraGovtFormation

Mukul Rohatgi and SG Tushar Mehta question why the petitioners didn't go to the High Court first. The duo point out there is no violation of fundamental rights of anyone which would make it a case to be heard directly by the #SupremeCourt.

#MaharashtraGovtFormation

Sibal concludes saying their alliance is ready to probe majority if floor test is ordered tomorrow.

AM Singhvi argues that any letter of support given by #AjitPawar was invalid and misleading.

#MaharashtraGovtFormation

Singhvi, for #NCP, tells SC: Passed resolution to remove Ajit Pawar as legislative party leader & sent a letter this morning signed by 41 out of 54 MLAs to the Governor, explaining Ajit's letter of support is invalid.

#MaharashtraGovtFormation

"How can someone be a deputy CM when he doesn't even have the support of his own party?" Singhvi questions #Ajit Pawar, adding floor-test is a constitutional obligation in a matter like this. He pleads for an immediate floor-test.

#MaharashtraGovtFormation

Rohatgi, appearing for #BJP MLA Shelar and another, tells #SupremeCourt there is no requirement to pass any order today since a date of floor-test has already been fixed by the #Governor. He reiterates this isn't a matter about fundamental rights.

#MaharashtraGovtFormation

"They didn't lift a little finger in so many days and now they rush to the #SupremeCourt saying we want to form the government. Why did they not do it in so many days? There can't be a tearing hurry now just because they are here in the court," Rohatgi resists any order today.

And here's the classic Rohatgi:

Urging SC not to interdict Governor's decision for the time being, Rohatgi tells judges: "What will happen if the Legislature passed a bill saying #SupremeCourt should dispose of all cases in 2 years?"

Ramana J:"That may happen...We don't know."

Justice Ramana starts dictating the order as Rohatgi concludes asking for 2-3 days. SG Tushar Mehta adds he will also need some time to get all the records from the Governor's office.

#MaharashtraGovtFormation

#SupremeCourt asks Centre to adduce by tomorrow morning all letters given to the Governor by Fadnavis to show strength. SC also issues notices to Fadnavis & #AjitPawar.
Court says it will pass orders on floor-test etc tomorrow after going through the records.