Rajasthan case: Supreme Court does not stay High Court judgment

New Delhi on Thursday, July 23, 2020

The apex court had rejected Speaker PC Joshi's plea challenging the relief granted by the Rajasthan High Court to the Sachin Pilot group, which had revolted against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan, and upheld the Rajasthan High Court's verdict.

The Rajasthan High Court had restrained the Speaker from taking any action against the Sachin Pilot group till July 24. The speaker's argument was that the court could not strike at the speaker's rights. The Speaker had moved the Supreme Court after the High Court restrained the Speaker from taking action against the rebellious MLAs. The Supreme Court will hear the speaker's application on Monday.

The Supreme Court clearly stated that in a democracy, legislators have the right to dissent or revolt. The apex court also opined that suppressing the dissatisfaction of elected legislators could lead to the demise of democracy. The Rajasthan High Court will announce its verdict in the Sachin Pilot Group case tomorrow. However, the verdict will not be final. Just as the Speaker challenged the High Court's judgment in the Supreme Court, the Sachin Pilot Group will also be able to challenge the High Court's judgment in the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, there was a rumor in political circles that the days of Ashok Gehlot's government are numbered. The reason for spreading such rumors is the letter sent by Rahul Gandhi to Sachin Pilot. Rahul had called to meet Sachin. Like Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sachin Pilot was once considered a member of the Rahul Gandhi camp.

Kapil Sibal, on behalf of Speaker CP Joshi, argued that the rebels could be persuaded and that the work could be done by the Speaker. The Supreme Court then said that the question is only twenty-four hours. The High Court is scheduled to rule on the case tomorrow. Why can't you stop for twenty-four hours?

Even then, Sibal continued to argue. He said the speaker gave only one notice, not a whip. However, the apex court had asked Sibal to wait till July 24. The Sachin Pilot case is scheduled to be heard in the Rajasthan High Court tomorrow. That fact was emphasized by the Supreme Court.