The Supreme Court, on 21 September 2024, dismissed Danam Nagender’s special leave petition, confirming his disqualification as Khairatabad MLA, a decision that follows the Telangana High Court’s September 18 ruling.
Nagender, who captured the Khairatabad seat on a BRS ticket in December 2023, had earlier run unsuccessfully for Secunderabad Lok Sabha under Congress in March 2024, sparking controversy over his party hopping.
The high court invoked the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which bars members who change parties without permission, to strip him of his seat.
Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi argued that a delay could trigger the Election Commission to schedule a by‑poll, potentially disrupting welfare programmes in Khairatabad.
BRS insisted it had never readmitted Nagender, while a Khairatabad resident, Rajesh, said the vacancy had stalled essential water projects.
With the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Election Commission is expected to issue a notification for the Khairatabad by‑poll, likely set for early November, as the assembly seat remains vacant.