Supreme Court dismisses petition seeking intervention in cases of political defections

New Delhi – The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition filed in connection with allegations of poaching of elected representatives. The Court stated in clear terms that the petition was vague, general in nature and based on reckless allegations. No concrete material or evidence had been placed before the Court to support these allegations. Therefore, there was no reason to consider the petition.

The petition had triggered significant discussion against the backdrop of recent incidents of political defections in various states.

The petition had been filed by K.K. Ramesh. It alleged that ruling parties in various states were inducing opposition MLAs and MPs to defect by offering money, exerting pressure or through other means. The petitioner had sought the intervention of the Court to curb such alleged practices. However, the petition contained no specific information regarding the state, leader or incident in which the alleged irregularities had occurred.