The constitution bench headed by the Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, while directing the parties to the litigation before it to maintain “status quo”, asked its secretary general to facilitate the “implementation of the instant order” seeking original records relating to the disqualification of 14 rebel Congress lawmakers before 10.30 am on Thursday.
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Hours after the Union Cabinet made a decision to recommend revocation of President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh, Supreme Court today ordered maintenance of status quo in the crisis-ridden state till it examined judicial and assembly records on disqualification of 14 rebel Congress MLAs by former Speaker Nabam Rebia.
The court order came amid apprehensions of installation of new Government in thePresident ruled state under leadership of dissident Congress legislator group leaderKalikho Pul with support from BJP. Later, 14 rebel Congress MLAs were disqualified by the Speaker. It led to a political crisis in the state that finally led to imposition of President’s Rule on January 26.
The Cabinet recommended to the President to revoke central rule imposed on January 26.
“Whatever is the verdict of the court, the only answer will be floor test and the ultimate answer will be the floor test. Whether “A” becomes the Chief Minister or “B” becomes Chief Minister, it will be decided on the floor of the House”, he said.
T R Andhyarujina, who represents the Governor, said till now, the proclamation is very much in place and the assembly stands in “suspended animation”.
Congress has urged President Pranab Mukherjee not to take any action over withdrawal of President’s Rule in Arunachal Predesh if Centre makes any recommendation in this regard.
The bench observed that this injunction can not be granted and Congress leaders were at liberty to approach the Governor.
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The bench then said it wanted to see the original records of proceedings which happened on December 14 and 15 and posted the matter for further hearing on tomorrow.
