Telangana Speaker Dismisses Disqualification Petitions Against Seven BRS MLAs Under Anti-Defection Law
Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar has dismissed disqualification petitions against seven out of ten Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) legislators. These MLAs were accused by the BRS of switching allegiance to the ruling Congress party following the 2023 Assembly elections. The Speaker's decision comes after the Supreme Court issued a contempt notice to him in November 2025 for failing to comply with directives to decide on the disqualification pleas expeditiously. The BRS has criticized the move, alleging it makes a mockery of the Tenth Schedule and the constitutional principles intended to prevent political defection.
Key Points
- The Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution (Anti-Defection Law) gives the Speaker the power to disqualify members for defection.
- The Supreme Court has previously emphasized that Speakers must decide on disqualification petitions within a reasonable timeframe.
- Disqualification can occur if a member voluntarily gives up party membership or votes against party directions.
- The BRS had approached the Supreme Court due to the Speaker's perceived inaction on the petitions.
Exam Facts
- Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
- 2023 Telangana Assembly elections.
- Supreme Court contempt notice issued on November 17, 2025.
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