Supreme Court Urges Calcutta HC to Expedite Disqualification of Rebel TMC MLAs

A bench of the [Supreme Court](/topic/supreme-court-of-india), led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, has directed the Calcutta High Court to expedite the decision on disqualification petitions against ten rebel members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislative assembly. This directive comes in response to a plea filed by TMC MLA Sohandeb Chattopadhyay, seeking urgent action on the pending disqualification petitions before the West Bengal Speaker.

The disqualification petitions, filed under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, were submitted on July 8, 2026, and have remained unresolved for nearly four months. Advocate Preetika Dwivedi, representing Chattopadhyay, highlighted the delay in her arguments, emphasizing that the Speaker has not acted on the petitions despite the Supreme Court's prior orders. The court had previously mandated that the Speaker decide on such petitions within a reasonable timeframe, referencing a 2020 ruling regarding disqualification cases in Manipur.

The Supreme Court's insistence on expeditious handling of these petitions underscores the urgency of the matter, as the political landscape in West Bengal has shifted dramatically following the recent elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious, winning 208 seats compared to TMC's 80, leading to a significant factional split within the TMC itself.

The rebel faction, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has formed a separate entity called the Democratic Trinamool Congress, which has been allocated the envelope symbol by the Election Commission. This division has raised questions about the legitimacy of the TMC's claim to its original party symbol, two flowers with a clump of grass. The ongoing power struggle has resulted in 58 TMC legislators defecting to the new faction, further complicating the political dynamics in West Bengal.

The Supreme Court's recent order reflects a broader concern about the implications of these disqualification petitions on the stability of the state government and the integrity of the electoral process. The court's decision to request a division bench in the Calcutta High Court aims to streamline the process and prevent further delays.

During the proceedings, the Supreme Court emphasized the need for judicial efficiency, stating, “We do not want litigants to jump the queue. We cannot have all petitions coming here just because we have passed orders in one matter.” This statement highlights the court's commitment to maintaining order in the judicial process while also addressing the pressing nature of the disqualification petitions.

The court's directive to the Calcutta High Court to form a division bench for this matter is a strategic move to ensure that the case is handled promptly. The bench acknowledged the high court's vacation until November 11 but urged the chief justice to prioritize the listing of the case as soon as it is filed.

The ramifications of the Supreme Court's decision extend beyond the immediate disqualification petitions. The ongoing conflict within the TMC and the emergence of the Democratic Trinamool Congress could reshape the political landscape in West Bengal. With 20 of the former TMC's 28 MPs also defecting to the Nationalist Citizen’s Party of India, the TMC's influence is being challenged on multiple fronts.

The TMC, now operating under the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress, is actively seeking to consolidate its power and retain its identity amidst this turmoil. General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee has filed a separate petition in the Supreme Court to expedite the disqualification petitions against the defected MPs, further illustrating the party's commitment to reclaiming its standing.

As the Supreme Court's directive sets the stage for a potential resolution of the disqualification petitions, the political future of the TMC hangs in the balance. The court's insistence on a timely decision reflects the urgency of the situation, as the party navigates the complexities of factionalism and electoral legitimacy. The outcome of these petitions will not only impact the rebel MLAs but could also have lasting effects on the governance and political stability of West Bengal.

The political landscape of West Bengal is at a critical juncture, with the Supreme Court's involvement highlighting the importance of timely judicial intervention in matters of electoral integrity and governance.