Can't order floor test: SC says no decision be taken on their disqualification till July 11

In a relief to rebel Shiv Sena lawmakers, the Supreme Court kept in abeyance the disqualification proceedings before the Deputy Speaker till July 11 and sought responses to pleas by rebel MLAs questioning the legality of notices seeking their disqualification.

The top court, however, refused to pass any interim order on the plea of the Maharashtra government that there should not be any floor test in the Assembly and said they cannot always approach it in case of illegality.

A vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and J B Pardiwala directed the Maharashtra government to protect the life, liberty, and property of 39 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs and their family members.

Also watch: SC seeks response from Maha Deputy Speaker, others; next hearing on July 11

The top court also recorded the statement of Maharashtra's counsel that adequate steps have been taken to protect the life and property of rebel MLAs.