New Delhi: Independent MLAs Have Distinct Status, says SC
New Delhi, May 17(PTI) Independent MLAs joining the Cabinet does not mean that they have merged with the ruling party nor can they be hauled up under the anti-defection law if they subsequently withdraw support to the Government, the Supreme Court has ruled.
The apex court passed the significant ruling while dealing with the appeal filed by five Indepdendent legislators challenging their disqualification by the Karnataka Speaker for withdrawing support to the B S Yeddyuruppa government.
Earlier, in the case of the 11 rebel BJP MLAs, the apex court had quashed their disqualification on the ground that they were not given sufficient opportunity by the Speaker to present their case before the action was taken against them.