Bengaluru: The hearing of Sachin Pilot and rebel MLAs’ plea in Rajasthan high court will continue on Monday (July 20) at 10 am. The high court has instructed the Rajasthan Assembly Speaker not to take any action against Sachin Pilot and 18 MLAs till 5:30 pm on July 21.

 

On July 16, Pilot filed a petition in Rajasthan high court. He moved the court challenging the notices from the Rajasthan Speaker over a Congress move to disqualify him and 18 MLAs from the state Assembly.

Harish Salve, who is representing the Pilot camp said in the court that when a legislator speaks against a chief minister's corrupt conduct and autocratic acts and wakes up his central leadership to take action, "it's an act of free speech and not a revolt".

 

Citing Rana case of Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Harish Salve argued that it's a situation unlike that of UP where the BSP MLA went to Governor to remove their chief minister and appoint SP leader as chief minister and voted for SP, according to India Today.

He also argued in the court that acts outside the House are not a violation of the anti-defection law.

Dr AM Singhvi, appearing for the respondents, submitted that the court cannot interfere with the notice issued by the Speaker, Live Law reported.

He said that the petition challenging the show-cause notice issued by the Speaker is "premature". They can raise the contentions before the Speaker, he added.