NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today ordered a floor test in Uttarakhand Assembly on May 10 when sacked Chief Minister Harish Rawat will seek a vote of confidence during which the nine disqualified Congress MLAs may be able to vote if the High Court permits them.
In a significant order detailing the modalities of the floor test to be conducted on Tuesday between 11 AM and 1 PM for the single agenda, the court directed that the nine rebel Congress MLAs, who have challenged their disqualification by the Speaker in the High Court, will not participate in the floor test “if they have the same status” at the time of vote of confidence.
Incidentally, the petition of the disqualified MLAs will come up tomorrow before the Uttarakhand High Court. If these MLAs are allowed to vote, Rawat’s fate in the 70-member Assembly may be sealed.
The apex court directed that the entire proceedings of two hours shall be videographed under the supervision of the Principal Secretary of the Legislative Assembly.
A bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and Shiva Kirti Singh ordered that during the two hours when the voting will take place on the vote of confidence, the President’s rule will be put in abeyance and the Governor shall be in-charge of the state.
The top court directed that the Principal Secretary of the Legislative Assembly shall place before it on May 11 in a sealed cover all the documents including the result and video of the entire proceedings. (AGENCIES)
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