Uddhav vs Shinde Supreme Court verdict today: What’s at stake? 10 points

The Supreme Court will put an end to the year-long battle between Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde on Thursday as it will pronounce its verdict on Maharashtra political crisis.

It will decide whether Eknath Shinde remains the chief minister or whether his rebellion and the consequent floor test were illegal. Both Thackeray and Shinde factions of the Shiv Sena are hopeful of victory.

Uddhav versus Eknath Shinde explained in 10 points

1. The crisis began with Eknath Shinde declaring a rebellion against Uddhav with 40 MLAs. This happened in June 2022.

2. In June last week, the rebels moved to Assam and then staked claim to form the government with BJP’s help. Eknath Shinde faction was recognised as the real Shiv Sena.

3. Uddhav Thackeray resigned and Eknath Shinde was sworn in as the chief minister. The Supreme Court did not stay the floor test which then-Governor BS Koshyari ordered. On July 4, Eknath Shinde won the floor test.

4. The Uddhav faction moved the Supreme Court seeking disqualification of the MLAs who went to the Shinde camp.

5. The Election Commission, on its part, gave the original bow and arrow symbol of Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena to the Shinde faction. Uddhav’s faction has been given the symbol of a flaming torch and new name Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray.

6. Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MP Sanjay Raut said the Supreme Court’s decision will decide whether democracy is alive in the country.

7. Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said Eknath Shinde will continue as the CM as the verdict will be in favour of Shinde. “Why would Shinde submit his resignation? There is no need to indulge in any kind of speculation. What mistakes he had made?” Fadnavis said.

8. If the verdict is in favour of Uddhav Thackeray, Shinde will have to resign.

9. Uddhav was represented by Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi while the Shinde camp lawyers were Harish Salve, NK Kaul and Mahesh Jethmalani. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented BS Koshyari, the then-governor.

10. The Supreme Court, during the hearing, questioned Koshyari’s role and observed that a governor should not enter into any area which precipitates the fall of a government.