Supreme Court deadlines Telangana speaker on disqualification of 10 BRS MLAs

The Supreme Court has issued a stern ultimatum to Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, demanding a decision within one week on disqualification petitions filed against 10 BRS MLAs who defected to the Congress. If the Speaker fails to act, the Court has warned of contempt proceedings.

In its order, a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai reiterated the Court’s earlier direction from 31 July 2025, which had given the Speaker three months to dispose of the anti-defection petitions. The Supreme Court made it clear that further delay would not be tolerated, and instructed the Speaker to draw an “adverse inference” against MLAs who attempt to prolong the process.

BRS has grounded its case in substantial proof. The party claims there is “abundant material” demonstrating that the defecting MLAs have actively participated in Congress meetings and public functions. Evidence cited includes photographs, videos, and records of legislative behavior, such as sitting on government benches indicating their shift in loyalty. BRS argues that these MLAs are no longer aligned with their original party, but are functionally part of Congress.

Congress, for its part, welcomed the 10 MLAs soon after they joined, offering them visibility and roles within the party structure. Their entry was seen as a political coup for the ruling party in Telangana, though internal sources suggest that not all defectors were immediately granted major positions or influence, pointing to cautious integration.

The 10 MLAs under scrutiny include Danam Nagender, Kadiyam Srihari, Tellam Venkat Rao, Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, M. Sanjay Kumar, Kale Yadaiah, Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy, Prakash Goud, Arekapudi Gandhi, and Gudem Mahipal Reddy. While some such as Danam Nagender have openly acknowledged their switch, others have offered ambiguous explanations, asserting that their participation in Congress activities was limited or administrative in nature. BRS strongly disputes these claims.

A recent judgment from another jurisdiction adds context. On 13 November 2025, the Calcutta High Court disqualified veteran MLA Mukul Roy under India’s anti-defection law. The court held that defection can be proved on a “preponderance of probabilities”, not necessarily “beyond reasonable doubt.” It also criticized the Speaker’s prior inaction, demonstrating that courts are willing to intervene directly when legislative authorities delay.

The Supreme Court’s ultimatum carries high political stakes. A ruling against these MLAs could significantly shift the balance of power in the Telangana Assembly, potentially destabilizing the Congress government. It also reinforces the Court’s growing impatience with prolonged defection disputes that undermine democratic accountability. With only a week to go, all eyes are now on Speaker Prasad Kumar. Will he comply with the Court’s demand, or risk a showdown that could reshape the state’s political future?