Thread by @barandbench

Live Updates from the Supreme Court on the Maharashtra Government formation

#MahaMasterstroke #MaharashtraCM @ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis Courtroom has just opened.

Senior Counsel Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and Devadatt Kamat as well as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta present in the Court . @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala and former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan are present in the Court. NCP leader and lawyer Majeed Memon also present

@rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @INCIndia @NCPspeaks

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and ASG KM Nataraj are also present in the Courtroom.

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj Former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi (File Photo) arrives in the Court. He is reported to represent the @BJP4India and @Dev_Fadnavis #MahaMasterstroke #MaharashtraCM #MahaPoliticalTwist

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj Bench headed by Justice NV Ramana and comprising of Ashok Bhushan and Sanjiv Khanna assembles.

#MaharashtraPolitics @INCIndia @BJP4India @ShivSena @NCPspeaks

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj Hearing begins on a light note. Sibal apologises to the Bench for the hearing on a Sunday and says

"But we are not the only ones to blame".
@KapilSibal

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj Sibal apprising the Court of the developments in the State starting from election results.

Sibal: In the formation of the government, Governors have some discretion as is decided by the Judgments of this Court. @KapilSibal

#MaharashtraCM #MahaMasterstroke

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj Sibal: In this case, a pre poll alliance broke down and we have to look at the post poll alliance now. In a presser a few days ago, the tripartite alliance (@ShivSena , @NCPspeaks , @INCIndia ) was annouced. @KapilSibal

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj A common minimum program was arrived at and that Uddhav Thackeray would be the CM

#MaharashtraCM @ShivSena

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj Sibal: It is bizzarre that on Saturday at 5.47 AM the President's rule was revoked and in less than three hours Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were sworn in

@KapilSibal #MaharashtraPolitics #MaharashtraPolitics #SupremeCourt @Dev_Fadnavis @AjitPawarSpeaks @rashtrapatibhvn

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Sibal;: From thereon, everything is shrouded in mystery, what documents were given, what material was placed, nothing is in public domain. #MaharashtraPolitics

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Sibal: It appears that the Governor is acting directly under the orders of a political party. The act of Governor smacks of bias, is malafide, contrary to all norms

@KapilSibal #MaharashtraPolitics #MahaMasterstroke #MaharashtraCM

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Sibal: Only thing to do today is if they believe they have the numbers, majority and can prove their support, they should be directed to conduct floor test today itself.

@KapilSibal #MaharashtraPolitics #SupremeCourt #MahaMasterstroke

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Bhushan J: When were the letters submitted?
Sibal: We don't know. Nobody knows. When was the approach made, what documents were submitted is not known. We are saying if they have majority let them prove it. If they don't, allow us to form Govt
#MaharashtraPolitics #SupremeCourt

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Sibal cites the Karnataka case of 2018.

In the Karnataka case, the floor test was directed to be conducted within 24 hours. @KapilSibal #MaharashtraPolitics

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Bench asks who SG Mehta is representing

Mehta: I was served a copy of the petition late night, so I'm here. I don't have instructions for who I'm representing.

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Mukul Rohatgi is representing some @BJP4India and some independent MLAs.

Rohatgi: I was in Karnataka case also. This case should have gone through 226 jurisdiction first.#MaharashtraPolitics #MaharashtraCM

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Rohatgi: The Govt has been formed for now so there is no reason for this Sunday hearing.

Justice Bhushan: That is the discretion of the CJI, Mr. Rohatgi

Justice Ramana: We have bee nominated to hear the case so it is our duty to do it.

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Sibal continues with his argument, says all the past orders of the #SupremeCourt have been consistent in ordering floor test.

Floor test must be conducted, because people of Maharashtra deserve a Govt.

They don't want to do it because they want to use the intervening time.

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Abhishek Manu Singhvi (file photo) begins to make submissions.

Obligation of governor to satisfy himself, based on written documents, bearing signatures and physical verification.

@DrAMSinghvi #MaharashtraCM #MahaMasterstroke #SupremeCourt

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Singhvi: The NCP had a meeting yesterday removing Ajit Pawar expelling him from the post.

Out of 54 MLAs (of NCP), 41 have signed it and was given to the Governor this morning.

@DrAMSinghvi #SupremeCourt @NCPspeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Singhvi: How can Ajit Pawar be Deputy CM when 41 NCP MLAs have said that "we are with NCP and we don't recognise him as NCP leader anymore"

@DrAMSinghvi #SupremeCourt @NCPspeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Singhvi (On Floor test): The best way to decide this is to have a floor test and the source of this is the SR Bommai judgment.

The idea to hold quick floor test is to prevent horse trading.

@DrAMSinghvi #SupremeCourt #MaharashtraPolitics @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Singhvi recounts the #SupremeCourt order in Karnataka case where protem speaker was directed to be appointed and floor test was directed to be televised.

@DrAMSinghvi #MaharashtraPolitics @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn @DrAMSinghvi also cites the Goa and Uttarakhand cases where floor test was directed to be held within specific period of time.

In Uttarakhand case a "composite" floor test was directed between contesting political alliances. Same thing was ordered in Jagdambika Pal case.

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn @DrAMSinghvi: If floor test is ordered for tomorrow, larger issues may come back to the #SupremeCourt later.

How is it possible for someone claiming majority yesterday to shy away from a floortest today

If floor test is ordered, it is not an invasive adversarial order at all

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Singhvi: Floor test is only a Constitutional obligation of a democracy. How is it adversarial?

@DrAMSinghvi #SupremeCourt #MahaMasterstroke #MaharashtraCM

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Rohatgi begins to make submissions now.

The correct procedure is parties should be served and they can file replies. There is no tearing hurry

#SupremeCourt #MaharashtraCM #MahaMasterstroke #MahaBJPCoup

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Mukul Rohatgi: For so many days they didn't lift a little finger to form the government and now someone else has formed the Govt.

No doubt that the floor test is inevitable but the decision of the Governor are not subject to judicial review.

#MaharashtraCM #SupremeCourt

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Rohatgi: When governor chooses the CM, it is not open to judicial review. It is his individual discretion, not guided by the Cabinet.

Rohatgi cites Article 361 -
Protection of President and Governors and Rajpramukhs

#MaharashtraCM #SupremeCourt

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Rohatgi: Action of governor immune under A361. Power of President or Governor to appoint PM or CM is immune.

Justice Ramana: These are all settled laws. The issue in the present case is regarding floor test.

#MaharashtraCM #SupremeCourt

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Rohatgi: Prayer in the petition says "direct the governor to invite..."

How can this be a prayer?

Justice Ramana (in lighter vein): Mr. Rohatgi, In this Court sky is the limit for asking for prayers.

#SupremeCourt #MahaMasterstroke

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Rohatgi: This is why three days time should be given for everyone to file replies.

They should have done their homework before disturbing the Court on late night and disturbing us on Sunday

#SupremeCourt #MahaMasterstroke #MaharashtraCM

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn The House respects the Court, Court must respect the House. They are individual organs, there is self restraint.

Tomorrow, can the legislature pass a legislation saying that the Court must dispose of all cases in 2 years? The independence has to be respected, can't be breached

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Rohatgi: This petition is not maintainable and Mr. Sibal is saying notice not necessary, pass exparte orders?

What kind of argument is this?

@KapilSibal #MahaMasterstroke #MaharashtraCM

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Rohatgi: The Governor is not an inferior post to the Court that he can be directed to do all this. I submit that notice should be issued and we should be allowed to spend rest of our Sunday in peace

Rohatgi concludes.

#MahaMasterstroke #MaharashtraCM #SupremeCourt

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Order being dictated.

#MahaMasterstroke #MaharashtraCM #SupremeCourt

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Breaking: Supreme Court directs SG Tushar Mehta to produce the two letters -

One by Governor inviting BJP to form govt, and

Second the letter of support placed by Fadnavis tomorrow.

Appropriate orders will be passed by the Court at 10.30AM tomorrow

#SupremeCourt

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Court also issues notice to Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, UOI, and State of Maharashtra
@Dev_Fadnavis @AjitPawarSpeaks #MaharashtraCM #MahaMasterstroke #MaharashtraGovtFormation

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn [Breaking] Maharashtra Crisis: SC asks for production of letters related to govt formation, to pass orders tomorrow

@DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @Dev_Fadnavis @AjitPawarSpeaks #MaharashtraCM #MahaPoliticalTwist #MaharashtraGovtFormation #mahaP

barandbench.com/breaking-mahar…

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Maharashtra Political Crisis: Supreme Court asks for production of letters related to govt formation, to pass orders tomorrow

#MaharashtraCM #SupremeCourt #MahaMasterstroke @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal

barandbench.com/breaking-mahar…

@ShivSena @INCIndia @BJP4India @BJP4Maharashtra @NCPspeaks @PawarSpeaks @AjitPawarSpeaks @Dev_Fadnavis @DrAMSinghvi @KapilSibal @rssurjewala @advmajeedmemon @prithvrj @rashtrapatibhvn Some images from the Supreme Court

#SupremeCourt #MaharashtraCM #MahaMasterstroke #MahaBJPCoup @prithvrj @DrAMSinghvi

[Read ORDER] Supreme Court order in the Maharashtra Givernment formation case #MaharashtraCM #SupremeCourt #MahaMasterstroke #MaharashtraCrisis