President’s rule in Arunachal Pradesh under Supreme Court scrutiny

The imposition of President’s rule in crisis-hit Arunachal Pradesh today came under the scanner of the Supreme Court which sought the report of Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa recommending central rule in the state, saying “it is too serious a matter”. 

The remark by a five-judge bench headed by Justice JS Khehar came when Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi raised a preliminary objection contending that the notification on promulgation of President’s rule has not been challenged in the fresh plea. 

The bench asked the Attorney General not to raise “technical objections” when he persisted with his plea arguing that “rules are rules” and they apply equally to all. It posted the matter for February one asking the Governor and the Ministry of Home Affairs to file responses by Friday on petitions filed by Congress leaders including the plea of Rajesh Tacho, Chief Whip of Congress Legislature party in the state assembly which is now kept under suspended animation. The bench allowed the petitioners to amend their plea by Friday.