Supreme Court directs Madhya Pradesh Speaker Gopal Singh Tomar to hear MLA Nirmala Sapre's disqualification plea

The Supreme Court of India issued a directive compelling the speaker of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Gopal Singh Tomar, to hear a disqualification petition lodged against MLA Nirmala Sapre. The court’s order came after a petition challenging Sapre’s eligibility was filed in the high court, prompting the apex court to intervene.

The speaker, who presides over the state assembly, is now required to schedule a hearing and decide whether the MLA should be removed from office pending the outcome of the case. The Supreme Court emphasized that the matter must be dealt with promptly to uphold the integrity of the legislative process.

Legal experts note that the decision underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring that procedural safeguards are observed when a legislator’s qualification is contested. The outcome of the hearing will determine whether Sapre can continue to represent her constituency while the legal challenge proceeds.