Shiv Sena (UBT) Challenges Approval of MPs Joining Shinde's Faction in Supreme Court

Shiv Sena (UBT) has taken legal action against the Lok Sabha Speaker's approval for six of its MPs to join the faction led by Eknath Shinde. Senior advocate Devdutt Kamat presented the case in the Supreme Court, arguing that this merger sets a troubling precedent where MPs switch parties after winning elections against them. The Lok Sabha Speaker had sanctioned this move on July 18, increasing the Shiv Sena's representation in the Lok Sabha to 13. Shiv Sena (UBT) contends that the rebel MPs should be disqualified under the anti-defection law, as their actions fall within its purview. The case raises significant questions about party loyalty and electoral integrity.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 21, 2026, 14:11 IST

Legal Challenge by Shiv Sena (UBT)

Shiv Sena (UBT) has approached the Supreme Court to contest the approval granted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for six of its MPs to join the faction led by Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Senior advocate Devdutt Kamat represented Shiv Sena (UBT) before a bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi.

Kamat requested the bench to schedule the hearing for the petition on Wednesday. In response, the Chief Justice remarked, 'We will see.'

Kamat informed the bench that on July 18, the Lok Sabha Speaker had approved the merger of the six MPs into Shinde's faction. He argued that the Speaker has recognized the merger of these six MPs, highlighting a concerning trend where MPs are joining parties against which they contested and won elections.

On July 18, prior to the commencement of the monsoon session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla sanctioned the inclusion of the six MPs into Shinde's faction.

According to official sources, with the addition of these six MPs, the total number of Shiv Sena members in the Lok Sabha has risen to 13. Initially, nine MPs were elected on the Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket, out of which six have now joined Shinde's faction.

Shiv Sena (UBT) argued before the Lok Sabha Speaker that the rebel MPs should be disqualified under the anti-defection law, as their party switch falls within the scope of this legislation.