Sena vs Sena: SC sends Maharashtra political petitions to 5 judge Constitution bench

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday referred to a five-judge Constitution bench the issues involved in the petition filed by rival groups of Shiv Sena in connection with the Maharashtra political crisis. A bench of Chief Justice NV Ramana and Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli referred the petitions to a five-judge bench and said the case will be heard on August 25 by the bench. Also Read: Maharashtra Cabinet expansion- 18 MLAs take oath as ministers The apex court also ordered the Election Commission of India not to decide till August 25 the application filed by Maharashtra's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde camp for recognition as the 'real Shiv Sena' party and allotment of the bow and arrow symbol to it. The top court, on the request of senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for the Thackeray camp, posted the matter before the Constitution bench on Thursday for interim relief on Shiv Sena's symbol issue. Uddhav Thackeray-led camp of Shiv Sena had sought stay on the proceedings before the Election Commission of India on Eknath Shinde group's claim for recognition as the 'real' Shiv Sena. Also Read: 'Maharashtra and Shiv Sena will continue to fight'- Sanjay Raut denies having any role in Patra Chawl land scam The order of apex court came on several pleas filed by both the factions of Shiv Sena. Earlier, the Supreme Court three-judge bench had said that some of the issues involved in the Maharashtra political crisis may require a larger Constitutional bench for consideration. (with ANI inputs)