The five MLAs had withdrawn support to the government, from the assembly membership on the eve of October 11 trust vote which it won.
“… We are of the view that the impugned order passed by the Speaker is not in violation of constitutional mandate nor is there any infirmity based on malafides or perversity,” a full bench of the court said in a 190-page verdict, dismissing their petitions challenging the disqualification.
Justices A S Bopanna, Mohan Shantanagoudar and S Abdul Nazeer have unanimously ruled in favour of the Speaker and dismissed the petition filed by the Independent MLAs. The ruling states that the impugned order passed by the Speaker is not in violation of constitutional mandate. Refuting the argument submitted by the Petitioners, the Bench ruled that voters have the right to file petition against their MLAs for defection.
Reacting on the ruling BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said “The action of honorary speaker is vindicated by this decision of the high court. Law has prevailed and justice has been done” he said adding that the victory of sorts against the unholy alliance of the Congress and JD(S) which has miserably failed in destabilising the government.