Can it be the case every time that the operation is successful but the patient is dead? The Supreme Court today asked, questioning the delay by the Telangana Speaker in deciding the petitions for disqualification of BRS MLAs who crossed over to the ruling Congress.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih, sought responses of the state government, Speaker’s Office, Telangana legislative assembly secretary, Election Commission of India and the defected lawmakers before the next date of hearing, which has been posted for March 25.

“It can’t be the case that the operation is successful but the patient is dead. What is the right time to decide on a disqualification notice? Should it happen at the fag end of the Speaker’s tenure? What about democratic norms?” Supreme Court Judge BR Gavai asked. 

While one of the petitions challenges the November 2024 order of the Telangana High Court over the disqualification of three BRS MLAs who joined the ruling Congress, the other petition is over the remaining seven legislators who defected.