SC dismisses plea against Karnataka pro tem speaker
AMN / NEW DELHI / BANGALORE
Congress Party today withdraw it pettion against Karnataka Governor appoint of BJP MLA KG Bopaiah as the pro tem speaker of the assembly as Supreme court ordered live telecast of the floor test.
All channels to be provided live feed to broadcast floor test of Karnataka assembly, Congress-JD(S) express satisfation on SC proposal
Supreme Court directs live streaming of proceedings on the floor of Karnataka assembly from 11am onwards
Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Governor, tells Supreme Court that live recording of floor test would ensure transparency, to which the Supreme Court said that let all channels be given access to broadcast the floor test live
The Supreme Court says that it cannot direct the Governor to appoint the seniormost MLA as pro-tem speaker. Unless the convention becomes a legal norm, it cannot be enforced by the court.
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala had convened a day-long session of state assembly at 11 AM today. The session has been convened for Yaddyurappa government to seek a vote of confidence at the floor of the House.
The session will begin at 11 AM when the newly elected MLAs will be sworn-in by the Protem Speaker.
The Governor has appointed BJP MLA KG Boppaiah as Protem Speaker. He will preside over the House proceedings during the trust vote to be held at 4 PM.
EARLIER Governor Vajubhai Vala appointed three-time BJP MLA KG Bopaiah as the pro tem speaker of the assembly, departing from the convention of appointing the senior-most MLA.
According to the seniority norm, eight-time Congress MLA from Haliyal, RV Deshpande, should have been made the pro tem speaker. The appointment assumes great significance as the pro tem speaker will play a crucial role in the floor test scheduled for 4pm on Saturday.
As per the order of the Supreme Court on Friday, since the pro tem speaker would conduct the floor test, he would also exercise powers like a regular speaker, and also administer oath to all the newly elected MLAs. In theory, his powers could also help the ruling party stay in power and help overcome the hurdles of anti-defection law.