Win for K’taka MLAs: SC upholds disqualification but allows them to contest bye-polls

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the former Karnataka Speaker’s order disqualifying 17 rebel Congress and JD(S) legislators.  However, the apex court struck down the Speaker order, which barred the disqualified MLAs from contesting any election until the end of the present Karnataka Assembly term. This is a win for the Congress and JD(S) rebels as they will now be allowed to contest the bye-elections that are to be held in 15 segments on December 5.