SC criticises Maharashtra Governor's actions in Sena dispute

The Supreme Court has criticised Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari for the manner in which he intervened in the dispute between the two factions of the Shiv Sena. The apex court remarked that "difference of opinion among MLAs within a party can be on any ground like payment of development fund or deviation from party ethos but can that be a sufficient ground for the governor to call for the floor test? Governor cannot lend his office to effectuate a particular result. Calling for a trust vote will lead to toppling of elected government."

It further said that the Governor's action should not precipitate the matter. His decisions could end up toppling a govt and it would be a sad spectacle for democracy.

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A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud was taking forward the hearing on the events that unfolded during the June 2022 Maharashtra political crisis triggered by a revolt in the then-undivided Shiv Sena by MLAs loyal to Eknath Shinde.

(with PTI inputs)