May 18, 2018: The Supreme Court today ordered a floor test in the Karnataka Assembly at 4 PM tomorrow, reducing the 15-day window given by the Governor to BJP Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa to prove majority.
A three-judge bench headed by Justice AK Sikri passed the order after hearing a Congress-JD(S) combine petition against the decision of Governor Vajubhai Vala to invite BS Yeddyurappa of BJP to form the government.
The bench said, the Pro-tem speaker will take decisions in accordance with the law on the issue of floor test. It also directed the Karnataka government and the Governor not to nominate any MLA from the Anglo-Indian community to participate in the floor test.
The apex court also asked the newly elected government not to take any major policy decision till it proves majority in the House. It also ordered authorities including the DGP to ensure law and order outside the Karnataka Assembly.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Chief Minister, had sought time till Monday for the floor test. He also placed letters which Mr. Yeddyurappa had written to the governor staking claim to form govt in Karnataka. He submitted before the court that there was no pre-poll alliance between the Congress and JD(S) and they have formed an unholy alliance after the elections.
In a historic pre-dawn hearing yesterday, the Supreme Court had refused to stay the swearing-in of Yeddyurappa as the chief minister.
Mr Yeddyurappa was sworn in as chief minister yesterday.
Reacting to the Supreme Court verdict, Chief Minister, BS Yeddyurappa said, the party will obey the court’s order on floor test. He said, they will prove majority tomorrow.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi has said Apex Court’s order vindicates the stand of Congress that Governor acted unconstitutionally. (AIR News)
