PANJIM: The final arguments on disqualification plea filed against the 12 MLAs – 10 from Congress and two from the MGP – who defected to BJP in 2019, has been adjourned to February 1 with the High Court of Bombay at Goa directing them to submit their affidavit-in-reply by January 27.
When the matter came up for hearing on Wednesday, the court was informed about Advocate General Devidas Pangam in isolation owing to COVID-19.
The petitioner Congress party informed the court that the subject matter will not impact the respondent MLAs in the upcoming polls but will certainly have wider impact across the country.
The High Court while agreeing with the petitioner’s contention mentioned to tag MGP’s plea with the present writ petition. Both matters will therefore be heard on February 1.
Congress’ plea challenges Goa Assembly Speaker’s refusal to disqualify 10 defected Congress MLAs. It was re-transferred from the principal bench of the High Court of Bombay back to the High Court of Bombay at Goa in October 2021.
After short hurdle, the matter was placed before the Division Bench and
with MGP’s writ petition regarding the disqualification petition also being heard, Congress had sought for re-transfer to Goa.
