Supreme Court Seeks Lok Sabha Speaker's Reply on Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs' Merger Plea, Refuses Interim Stay

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (22 July) sought a response from the Lok Sabha Speaker on a petition challenging the approval of the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) Members of Parliament with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. However, the Court refused to grant any interim stay on the Speaker's decision at this stage.

Background of the Case

The petition was filed by Arvind Ganpat Sawant, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, questioning the Speaker's decision recognizing the merger. Senior Advocate Devadutt Kamat, appearing for the petitioner, argued that no disqualification proceedings were pending and therefore there was no occasion to approve a merger. He also contended that the communication reflecting the merger was signed by a Joint Secretary instead of the Speaker.

A Bench of Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe issued notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker and asked the respondents to file their reply.

The bench observed,

"We have issued notice. We will consider. File counter. After two weeks."

The petitioner urged the Court to stay the Speaker's decision immediately, arguing that the issue involved constitutional principles and parliamentary procedure. The Court, however, was not persuaded to pass any interim order at this stage.

The Supreme Court issued notice on the petition, directed the respondents to file their response, listed the matter after two weeks, and declined to grant interim relief.

Case Details

Case Title: Arvind Ganpat Sawant v. Hon'ble Speaker, Lok Sabha and Others

Case Number: W.P.(C) No. 886/2026

Judge: Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe

Decision Date: July 22, 2026