Supreme Court notice to 20 rebel TMC MPs on Abhishek Banerjee’s plea for speedy disqualification

Abhishek Banerjee moves the Supreme Court over delay in disqualification proceedings against 20 rebel TMC MPs who joined the NCPI

PGurus Newsdesk

August 25, 2026

The Supreme Court issues notices to 20 rebel TMC MPs as Abhishek Banerjee seeks an early decision on their disqualification

Top court seeks replies from 20 MPs amid TMC’s anti-defection battle

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs on a plea filed by TMC general secretary and Lok Sabha leader Abhishek Banerjee, seeking an early decision on petitions seeking their disqualification.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana agreed to hear Banerjee’s plea, which challenges the alleged delay in deciding the disqualification proceedings. The court, however, did not issue notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Speaker, informed the bench that notices had already been issued to the MPs.

TMC rebels seek recognition as separate group

The dispute involves 20 TMC MPs who have broken away from the party and joined or merged with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), seeking separate recognition in Parliament. The rebel MPs have subsequently been treated as an NCPI group and have participated in NDA parliamentary activities.

The TMC has argued that the MPs were elected on its symbol and that their decision to move away from the party attracts disqualification under the anti-defection law. The rebel MPs, however, maintain that their move constitutes a valid merger. Banerjee had earlier approached Speaker Om Birla over the issue and also met him on August 12, seeking an early decision.

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