- (1.) The petitioners have filed this petition challenging the validity of Communication No. GS 41 GOB 2018 dated 16th May, 2018, addressed by the Governor of Karnataka to Shri B.S. Yeddyurappa (respondent No. 3 herein) inviting him to form the government and be sworn in as the Chief Minister of the State of Karnataka. This Bench was specially convened at odd hours to hear the matter as, on the basis of the said letter, respondent No. 3 has decided to take oath at 9.30 a.m. on 17th May, 2018.
(2.) We have heard Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, learned senior counsel appearing for the petitioners. On behalf of the Union of India, Mr. K.K. Venugopal, learned Attorney General has appeared, Mr. Mukul Rohatgi, learned senior counsel, has also made submissions, though he has stated that he has instructions from three M.L.As, viz. Mr. Govind M. Karjol, C.M. Udasi and Mr. Basavaraj Bommai, of the B.J.P. party to represent.
(3.) The petitioners have impleaded three respondents. Respondent No. 1 is the Union of India, and as mentioned above learned Attorney General has appeared on its behalf. Since respondent Nos. 2 and 3 are not represented, we issue formal notice to them. In addition, respondent No. 2 shall be served through the Standing Counsel for the State.;