Congress moves Supreme Court on recommendation for President rule in Arunachal Pradesh

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday moved the Supreme Court challenging the Cabinet’s move to recommend President’s rule in Arunachal Pradesh and the governor’s report based on which the decision was made.

The petition filed by Rajesh Tacho, chief whip of the Congress legislative party in Arunachal, said the Cabinet recommendation was "tainted by pervasive mala fides, irrational exercise of power, illegalities and irrationality", and was intended to topple a democratically elected government.

The state has been in political turmoil since 21 of the ruling Congress’ 42 MLAs revolted against CM Nabam Tuki last month, and the deputy speaker presided over a session outside the assembly building to disqualify the speaker. The BJP’s 11 MLAs and at least two of five independent members sided with the Congress rebels. The SC last week directed the governor not to convene the assembly until it decided on the matter.

"The impugned actions, apart from being unconstitutional, also have the effect of overreaching the court," the Congress petition said.

The governor’s report, the petition alleged, was based on non-existent facts, was actuated by malice and there was no constitutional breakdown to necessitate President’s rule. It accused the governor, a BJP appointee, of making continuous attempts to pull down the Congress government. The next hearing is scheduled for January 27.