In a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court has quashed President’s Rule in the North East state of Arunachal Pradesh. In February, the apex court had reserved its verdict and ordered maintenance of status quo till it examined the judicial and assembly records in the politically fragile state. However, the Union Cabinet recommended revocation of President’s Rule, leading to the formation of a new government under rebel Congress leader Kalikho Pul. Now, in a major relief to the Congress, Nabam Tuki will take the reins again.
The five-member Constitution bench, unanimously, ruled that all decisions taken by the state assembly after the Governor’s December 9, 2015, order is liable to be quashed. Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa recently tried to advance the state assembly session by a month. The court observed that it violates the Constitution and is illegal in nature.
“We have got justice from the Supreme Court, it has today saved this country and its Constitution. It is a historic and remarkable judgement which was expected by the people of country,” Tuki said, welcoming the verdict. “We will hold discussions with party MLAs and decide further course of action, we’ll do whatever is required legally.”
Finally we have got justice from SC,Court has today saved this country & its Constitution.#ArunachalPradesh@INCIndia@yuvadesh@OfficeOfRG
— Nabam Tuki (@NabamtukiCM) July 13, 2016
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi hailed the Supreme Court’s verdict restoring the Nabam Tuki government in Arunachal Pradesh.
Thank you Supreme Court for explaining to the Prime Minister what democracy is. #ArunachalPradesh
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) July 13, 2016
Congress spokesperson Randeep S Surjewala tweeted, “Supreme Court re-writes history. Democracy wins with a thumping majority, Modiji’s politics of defections & conspiracy fails miserably. Cong Govt restored.”
Supreme Court re-writes history. Democracy wins with a thumping majority, Modiji’s politics of defections & conspiracy fails miserably. 1/2
— Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) July 13, 2016
Cong Govt restored. SC calls conduct of Arunanchal Governor-‘Illegal’. He should be sacked for impropriety and diservice to constitution.2/3
— Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) July 13, 2016
PM & Amit Shah should apologize to the Nation for trampling upon democracy & the Constitution. Take a vow to never ignore people’s will.3/3
— Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) July 13, 2016
BJP’s Northeast Democreatic Alliance a cropper even before it starts? Happens as ‘Defections’ &’Manfactured Disaffection’ are centre points
— Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) July 13, 2016
The Congress had a majority of 47 MLAs in the 60-member state assembly. However, in January, 11 BJP MLAs in the house were backed by 21 dissidents in the bid to rock the government. Later, the then Speaker Nabam Rebia disqualified 14 rebel Congress MLAs.
There are political reactions coming in from other parties as well. Delhi chief minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “SC judgment yet another tight slap on dictatorial Modi govt. Hope Modi ji wud learn n now stop interfering in democratically elected govts”.
SC judgment yet another tight slap on dictatorial Modi govt. Hope Modi ji wud learn n now stop interfering in democratically elected govts
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 13, 2016
The Centre is drawing flak for trying to destabilise state governments.
