President’s rule in Arunachal: SC to hear Congress` plea today

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jan 27, 2016: The Supreme Court will on Wednesday take up a Congress petition challenging the Cabinet recommendation to impose President’s rule in Arunachal Pradesh.

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday approved the Cabinet recommendation to impose central rule in Arunachal Pradesh and keep the Assembly in suspended animation, a measure described by the Congress, which rules the border state, as a "murder of Constitution and democracy" on Republic Day.

"President of India has signed a proclamation under article 356(1) of the Constitution, imposing President’s Rule in relation to the state of Arunachal Pradesh and keeping the Legislative Assembly of the state in suspended animation with effect from January 26," said a Home Ministry statement.

The Congress slammed the Narendra Modi-led government for rushing to impose President’s rule in the northeastern state, and "disrespecting" the Supreme Court by bypassing it when it was hearing the matter.

"The Constitution and democracy have been murdered on this Republic Day. It is an effort by the government to nail federalism. The matter is sub judice and yet the speed with which the cabinet moved and the final decision has been taken is a clear indication that they have no respect for the highest court of the land," said Congress spokesperson Tom Vadakkan.

The party had moved the Supreme Court on Monday to challenge the Cabinet recommendation to impose President’s rule in the state.

"They could have waited for the matter to be settled by the judiciary yet they moved with express speed to ensure President’s rule in a sensitive state. There is no indication of past or present breakdown of law and order. These are signals of imagination manufactured to fine-tune and legitimise horse-trading that was done by a certain sitting minister.”

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said that they will fight this battle legally.

"We will seek justice from the Supreme Court. We will fight this battle legally. The matter was sub judice, that’s why we waited for the court’s order. It said not to hold an Assembly session. I had a feeling they’ll do this as this was their intention. But we aren’t nervous, we will fight," Tuki told media persons.

 

Courtesy: Zeenews