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19 August 2026

Maharashtra Speaker's decision on Shiv Sena split

The case involves significant constitutional questions regarding the Speaker's powers under the Tenth Schedule and the judicial review of such decisions, which are core topics for GS2.

1 min read Day 8 of 8 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar ruled in 2024 that the faction led by Eknath Shinde constitutes the 'real' political party following a split in June 2022.
  • The Speaker maintains that the decision was made within the existing legal framework and adhered to guidelines established by the Supreme Court.
  • The split involved 39 MLAs departing from the original party structure, which subsequently led to the collapse of the state government.
  • The matter is currently subject to legal scrutiny in the Supreme Court, involving arguments regarding party recognition and the allocation of poll symbols.

Part of a longer story

This is day 8 of 8 in Shiv Sena factional dispute and disqualification proceedings, which has been running since 22 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Discuss the role of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in deciding disputes related to party splits and the recognition of factions under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The office of the Speaker is often at the center of constitutional debates regarding the anti-defection law. Analyze the challenges faced by the Speaker in maintaining impartiality while adjudicating disputes involving party factions and the implications of judicial oversight in such matters. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, the authority to decide on disqualification of a member of the House on the ground of defection rests with:

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-19/maharashtra-speaker-s-decision-on-shiv-sena-split