MP political crisis: SC refuses proposal to produce rebel Congress MLAs in judges’ chamber, says can’t be held captive

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Wednesday refused to accept the proposal for producing 16 rebel MLAs of the Madhya Pradesh Congress in judges’ chamber, and observed that they may or may not go to the assembly but they cannot be held captive.

A bench comprising justices D Y Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta said it is not going to come in the way of the legislature to decide who enjoys the trust but it has to ensure that there is a free exercise of choice which these 16 MLAs can make.

The bench declined the offer of the rebel Congress MLAs saying it would not be appropriate and also refused to send its registrar general to meet them.

It then deferred the hearing for tomorrow at 10.30 am.

“As a constitutional court, we have to discharge our duties,” said the bench, adding, as of now it knows that the 16 rebel MLAs in Madhya Pradesh tilt the balance one way or the other.

The court asked lawyers to assist it on modalities for ensuring free access to the Assembly and choice.

The bench was hearing cross petitions filed by former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Congress on the ongoing political crisis in t