SC issues notice to both factions of Shiv Sena, denies to stay EC order

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stay the Election Commission's order recognizing Eknath Shinde's group as the genuine Shiv Sena and issued notices to both the factions after hearing the Uddhav Thackeray faction's plea against the Election Commission's decision.

The Supreme Court also said that the Election Commission's decision to allow the Shiv Sena (UBT) to use the 'burning torch' symbol for the upcoming rounds in Chinchwad and Kasba Peth will stand till further orders of the court.

A bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud took note of the submissions of senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Thackeray, and sought a response from the faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Shinde. Counsel for the Shinde faction told the bench, also comprising Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala, that he would not issue any whip or initiate the process of disqualification of Thackeray faction legislators in the meantime. “Okay, issue a warning. The counter-affidavit will be filed within two weeks,” the bench said.

However, while issuing the notice, the bench refused to stay the verdict of the jury which recognized the Shinde faction as the real Shiv Sena, saying it could not be done without hearing the other side.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear the Thackeray camp's plea against the Election Commission's decision. Apart from recognizing the Shinde-led bloc as the genuine Shiv Sena, the poll panel also ordered that it be given the party's original 'bow and arrow' symbol.