HC hears rebel MLAs' plea as BJP targets Governor

The Karnataka High Court today resumed hearing on the petition challenging the disqualification of 16 MLAs by Speaker KG Bopaiah. Meanwhile, in what appears to be an open confrontation, the BJP demanded immediate recall of Governor H R Bhardwaj and warned of agitation if it was not done.

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday resumed hearing on the petition challenging the disqualification of 16 MLAs by Speaker KG Bopaiah.

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Meanwhile, in what appears to be an open confrontation, the BJP in Karnataka on Tuesday demanded immediate recall of Governor H R Bhardwaj and warned of agitation if it was not done.

The petition filed by the MLAs, including 11 of BJP, has sought quashing of the orders of the Speaker, terming their disqualification as a "clear violation of statutory rules".

"The disqualification rules and procedures which have been laid down in the Constitution have not been complied with at all", the petition before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice JS Khehar and Justice N Kumar, said.

During arguments, one of the counsels for the rebel BJP MLAs submitted the MLAs had not withdrawn their memembership from the party but had "only expressed lack of confidence in the Yeddyurappa Government because of rampant corruption and nepotism".

Former Solicitor General Soli Sorabjee, appearing for the BJP government, submitted that the order was in "full compliance with natural justice under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution".