Centre to decide on floor test in Uttarakhand by Friday

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that it would take a call on a floor test in Uttarakhand by Friday. It, however, suggested that the floor test may be for "both parties" in the Assembly.

Senior advocates AM Singhvi and Kapil Sibal, appearing for displaced chief minister Harish Rawat, then urged the court to clarify that it would be a confidence vote for Rawat.

A bench comprising Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Shivakirti Singh then listed the case for further hearing on Friday.

The bench will consider whether to have a court-supervised floor test, the contours of the floor test, and if the issue needed to be referred to the Constitution bench.

The Centre had imposed President's Rule in the state after an appropriations Bill was passed by a voice vote without a division.

The high court has since struck down the presidential proclamation and restored Rawat as the chief minister, provided he proves his majority. The Centre has challenged this in the Supreme Court.