Maharashtra crisis: MVA moves SC against floor test

The Maharashtra government has approached the Supreme Court against the governor's directions to conduct a floor test in the Assembly on Thursday. The apex court has agreed to hear the case at 5pm on Wednesday.

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has directed the State government to convene a special session of the Assembly on Thursday and has directed CM Uddhav Thackeray to prove his majority on the floor. The governor said in his letter that seven independent MLAs and the Opposition has written to him seeking a floor test.

Chief Whip of Shiv Sena Sunil Prabhu has moved the Court challenging Governor's order. Appearing for Shiv Sena, senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi requested the court to take up the case for an urgent hearing. The SC is expected to hear the case by 5pm.

The SC had earlier extended the deadline to respond to disqualification notices issued to 16 rebel MLAs including Eknath Shinde till July 11.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut called the governor's order unlawful. Raut said the Raj Bhavan has acted at a "jet speed even faster than Rafale" after BJP leaders met him, urging him to seek a trust vote.

(With inputs from PTI)