Dissenting voice in democracy cannot be shut down: SC refuses to stay Rajasthan HC proceedings on Pilot's plea

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to restrain the Rajasthan High Court from announcing verdict on the pleas of Sachin Pilot and other Congress rebel MLAs over the disqualification notices issued to them. In its judgement, the apex court noted: “Voice of dissent in a democracy cannot be shut down”, as it questioned Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi on the reasons for initiating disqualification proceedings against 19 rebel Congress MLAs, including sacked Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot.

The Supreme Court bench headed by Arun Mishra further said: “Voice of dissent in democracy cannot be shut down. We are trying to find out whether this process (disqualification) was permissible or not." For more on latest developments of Rajasthan political crisis, watch the full video.