The political storm surrounding 20 rebel TMC MPs intensifies as the Lok Sabha Secretariat issues a notice for a response within 7 days following a petition by Abhishek Banerjee.

  • The Lok Sabha Secretariat has demanded responses from 20 rebel TMC MPs within 7 days.
  • The action follows a petition filed by TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
  • The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Lok Sabha Secretary General and the MPs.
  • The core dispute involves claims of merging with the NCPI.

The political instability within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has escalated into a major legal battle. The Lok Sabha Secretariat has officially sought responses from 20 rebel TMC MPs regarding a petition filed by TMC General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee. The Secretariat's notice, issued on Tuesday (August 25), mandates that all concerned members submit their replies within seven days.

The petition, originally submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker on June 18, 2026, seeks disciplinary action under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the Lok Sabha Rules of 1985 concerning the disqualification of members. The responses received will be placed before the Speaker for final consideration.

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Supreme Court Intervention

Adding legal weight to the crisis, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by CJI Surya Kant, has issued notices to the Lok Sabha Secretary General and the 20 implicated MPs. During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the Speaker had already initiated formal action, rendering a separate formal notice from the court unnecessary in terms of procedural assistance.

This case serves as a critical litmus test for the Anti-Defection Law and its ability to maintain party discipline in a fractured political landscape.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this development is not merely an internal party matter but a significant event that could alter the numerical strength of the TMC in the Lok Sabha. If the disqualification process proceeds, it could drastically shift the opposition's dynamics in Parliament.

The controversy traces back to June 2026, when a group of 20 MPs, including Kakoli Ghosh, Sudipto Bandyopadhyay, Shatabdi Roy, and Yusuf Pathan, claimed they had merged with the NCPI. They sought permission to sit as a separate group in the Lok Sabha, a move that the TMC leadership has vehemently contested through legal channels.

Did You Know?: The Tenth Schedule, often called the Anti-Defection Law, was added to the Indian Constitution to prevent political instability caused by floor-crossing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the basis of the petition?
Answer: The petition seeks disqualification of the 20 MPs under the Tenth Schedule for changing party affiliation.

Question 2: What was the Supreme Court's stance?
Answer: The Supreme Court issued notices to the Secretary General and the MPs while acknowledging that the Speaker has already begun proceedings.