Supreme Court urgently lists Uddhav Thackeray’s plea to stay EC order on Shiv Sena for February 22

The Election Commission on Feb. 17 allotted the name ‘Shiv Sena’ and the party’s bow and arrow symbol to the Eknath Shinde faction

The Supreme Court on February 21 listed former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s petition challenging the decision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to allot party name ‘Shiv Sena’ and symbol ‘bow and arrow’ to the Eknath Shinde faction for hearing at 3.30 p.m. on February 22.

In an oral mentioning before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Mr. Thackeray, sought a stay of the Election Commission order of February 17.

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Mr. Sibal said the rival faction was taking over the “bank accounts and properties”.

Senior advocate A.M. Singhvi said the turn of events following the EC order is leading to a “piquant” situation.

Mr. Shinde’s counsel, senior advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, appearing on caveat, said Mr. Thackeray had already raised these issues twice in the High Court.

Chief Justice Chandrachud said the case would be listed on February 22 after the Constitution Bench hearing in the Shinde-Thackeray dispute concerning disqualification of the then “rebel” legislators who took over the government in Maharashtra with support from the BJP after Mr. Thackeray resigned as Chief Minister just ahead of a floor test.