Governors can't be removed with the change of government: SC

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday said that governors cannot be removed with the change of government at the Centre.

The SC ruled that the court can interfere if government fails to give cogent reasons for removing governors.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan gave its decision on a petition challenging summary dismissal of governors by the President after a change of regime at the Centre.

Earlier, appearing for the petitioner, former attorney general Soli J Sorabjee had questioned the removal of four governors by the UPA government after NDA lost elections in 2004.

He had said constitutional office holders should not be made sacrificial goats at the altar of electoral politics and should be treated with dignity they deserve. He had suggested a fixed tenure for them or in case of removal, giving of proper reasons by President.