In a matter like this, detailed hearing is required in order to decide as to whether action of the Governor in inviting respondent no. 3 (B.S. Yeddyurappa)  to form the Government was valid in law or not. Since it may consume substantial time and the final decision cannot be given immediately, we deem it proper that Floor Test to ascertain the majority of one or the other group is conducted immediately and without any delay. Though the Governor in his letter dated 16.05.2018 inviting respondent no. 3 to form the Government has given him 15 days’ time for proving the majority on the floor of the House, having regard to all the circumstances of this case, we are of the view that such a Floor Test be conducted tomorrow (Saturday) itself i.e. on 19.05.2018.

Since the elected Members of Legislative Assembly are yet to take oath as specified in Schedule III of the Constitution and the Speaker is also yet to be elected, we are of the view that the following procedure be followed for conducting the Floor Test:

A) Pro-tem Speaker shall be appointed for the aforesaid purpose immediately.
B) All the elected members shall take oath tomorrow(19.05.2018) and this exercise shall be completed before 4pm.
C) The Pro-tem Speaker shall conduct the Floor Test on 19.05.2018 at 4 pm in order to ascertain the majority.
D) Adequate and sufficient security arrangements shall be made and Director General of Police, State of Karnataka, will himself supervise the said arrangements so that there is no lapse on this count whatsoever.

Since the Floor Test is going to be held tomorrow i.e 19.05.2018 at 4pm, Mr Mukul Rohatgi, learned senior counsel appearing for the Chief Minister makes a statement at Bar that respondent no. 3 shall not take any policy decision till the Floor Test is conducted.

Six weeks’ time is granted to the learned counsel for the respondents to file counter affidavit. 

Rejoinder affidavit, if any, be filed within four weeks thereafter.

The matter shall be listed for directions after ten weeks.

The petitioners have moved this application in which prayer is made to the effect that respondent no. 3 be restrained from nominating and/or recommending any member of the Anglo Indian Community under Article 333 of the Constitution pendingthe floor test of respondent no. 3.

Mr. Tushar Mehta, learned ASG who appears for the State Government, makes a statement at Bar that there is no such move to nominate any such member till the Floor Test is cleared. The interlocutory application is disposed of accordingly.