In a landmark judgment that could have implications across the nation, the Supreme Court on Wednesday (July 13) directed status quo in Arunachal Pradesh as it prevailed on December 15, 2015. The decision annuls Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa’s decision to advance the Assembly session by a month in December and said that it violates the Constitution and is liable to be quashed.
The court ruling paves way for the restoration of the Congress government led by Nabam Tuki in the state.
The Supreme Court said all steps and decisions taken by the legislative assembly pursuant to governor’s December 9, 2015 order are unsustainable and liable to be quashed.
“We have got justice from the Supreme Court, it has today saved this country and it’s Constitution. It is a historic and remarkable judgement which was expected by the people of country,” Tuki said.
This is a win for democracy. They brought down a democratically elected government. The law has protected us and the country.#Arunachal
— Nabam Tuki (@NabamtukiCM) July 13, 2016
“We will hold discussions with party MLAs and decide further course of action, we’ll do whatever is required legally,” he added.
The apex court had said the verdict in this case will not only have its effect on Arunachal Pradesh, but affect every state.
The bench had segregated two other sets of petitions which were filed against the subsequent promulgation of President’s Rule in the state and its revocation thereafter, which had led to the formation of a new government.
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
Just before the apex court had reserved its verdict on February 20, rebel Congress leader Kalikho Pul was sworn in as the ninth chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh with the support of 18 dissident Congress MLAs and two independents and 11 BJP MLAs who gave outside support.
Congress party, which had 47 MLAs seats in the 60-member assembly, suffered a jolt when 21 of its lawmakers rebelled. Eleven BJP MLAs backed the rebels in the bid to upstage the government. Later, 14 rebel Congress MLAs were disqualified.
