Shiv Sena UBT Urges Supreme Court to Freeze Party Symbol

The Shiv Sena UBT faction urged the Supreme Court to freeze the party name and bow-and-arrow symbol, arguing that Eknath Shinde engaged in defection. Counsel for the Thackeray faction asserted that recognizing the rival faction validates unconstitutional political defections under anti-defection laws.

The ongoing legal battle stems from the political crisis that fractured the original Shiv Sena party and led to a change in government. The Election Commission of India previously recognized the Shinde-led group as the official party and allocated the traditional symbol to them.

The Supreme Court is reviewing arguments concerning legislative disqualifications and the constitutional limits of executive and speaker authorities. A definitive ruling could set a major legal precedent for intra-party disputes and defection penalties in India.