The opposition party Naga People’s Front (NPF), on Monday moved to the High Court and demanded seven rebel MLAs entry into the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) session to be prevented which is due on February 12.

MLA Chotisuh Sazo and MLA Imkong L Imchen submitted an introductory application (IA) to the Court on Monday against seven MLAs of the party – EE Pangteang, Eshak Konyak, Kejong Chang, BS Nganglang Phom, Toyang Chang, Thongwang Konyak and CL John.

An order issued by the Judge of Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench, Justice S Hukato Swu said, “The contention of the petitioner is that sufficient delay has been caused therefore, in the interest of justice, the petitioner pray that the respondents should be restrained from entering the Nagaland Legislative Assembly till disposal of the writ petition as the purpose of the 10th Schedule is being defeated by dilatory means”.

DK Misra and SS Dey via video conferencing, requested to be given some time to file its response against the IA on Monday.

The court gave a week time to allow the respondents to file a reply and hear the parties for disposal.

Siddharth Borgohain, Supreme Court lawyer who represented the petitioners spoke to the reporters saying that it has asked for the HC’s intervention to prevent seven MLAs from entering into the upcoming Assembly session.

He notified that the court “appreciated that there is a substantial question of law is involved in this matter” and a final hearing will be held on February 8.

“Whether the disqualification petition will survive or whether the 7 MLAs will be restrained from entering the Assembly, we will get to know on February 8,” he added.