TMC rebels directed to respond to disqualification petitions in 7 days

A political dispute in West Bengal has triggered a legal battle over the disqualification of 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs who joined the NCPI. This case highlights critical loopholes in India's anti-defection law, specifically regarding the Speaker's decision-making timeline and merger exemptions, amid broader tensions involving bank freezes and police altercations.