SC: MP’s state of uncertainty must be resolved soon

In a jolt to Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath, the Supreme Court on Thursday ordered that the floor test to ascertain whether he (chief minister Kamal Nath) enjoys the majority support in the state Assembly will be carried out on Friday to resolve the “state of uncertainty” plunging the state.

Advancing the sitting of the state Assembly, that was earlier deferred till March 26 on account of coronavirus, a Bench of Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Hemant Gupta said that the only agenda before the Assembly would be “whether the government of the incumbent chief minister continues to enjoy the confidence of the House.”

The voting on the trust motion would conclude on Friday itself by 5.00 p.m.

The sitting of the state Assembly, the court ordered, “shall be confined to a single agenda, namely, whether the government of the incumbent chief minister continues to enjoy the confidence of the House.”

Ordering the floor test on Friday, Justice Chandrachud pronouncing the order said, “The state of uncertainty in the state of Madhya Pradesh must be effectively resolved …”

Directing that the voting on the floor test would by show of hands as, the court referred to March 15, 2020, communication of the governor Lalji Tandon that said that there was no provision for recording the division by “press of button”.

The court further ordered that the proceedings of the House shall be videographed and if there is provision for live

All authorities, including the Legislative Secretary, the court ordered “shall ensure that there is no breach of law and order” in the course of the proceedings and that the floor test is conducted in a peaceful way

telecast of the the same ensured.

The court ordered the Director General of Police of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh to ensure that there would be no impediment to any of the 16 rebel Congress MLAs in the event all of them or any of them opt to attend the session of the Legislative Assembly,

“The Director General of Police, Karnataka as well as the Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh shall ensure that there shall be no restraint or hindrance whatsoever on any of the 16 MLAs taking recourse to their rights and liberties as citizens.

“In the event that they or any of them opt to attend the session of the Legislative Assembly, arrangements for their security shall be provided by all the concerned authorities,” the order said.

All authorities, including the Legislative Secretary, the court ordered “shall ensure that there is no breach of law and order” in the course of the proceedings and that the floor test is conducted in a peaceful manner."

Issuing five directions relating to the conduct of the floor test, the court said that detailed judgment with reasons would follow later. proceedings, shall be