Courts exceeding their mandate, says Himachal CM

Says the judiciary cannot dismiss the role of the common people, as they are not the people of the gutter

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh said on Tuesday the judiciary was interfering in the functioning of the state's democratically elected government.

Reacting sharply to a recent judgement of the state high court that said local politicians; opnions were not needed before transferring a government official, he said this affected the independence of the executive arm.

"I disagree with the judgement. After all, this is a government elected by the people. It is unnecessary interference in the affairs of a democratic government," Virbhadra said.

"The judiciary cannot dismiss the role of the common people, as they are not the people of the gutter," he said.

Reacting to another recent judgement of the high court ordering pensions for state public sector unit staff he said, "This is a contentious issue and the high court is not the last word in this matter," he added.

According to an estimate, if the state government decides to grant pensions to all its public sector unit staff, that would add Rs 500 crore to the bill every year, pushing the state exchequer into further debt .

Asked about the delay in the calamity fund of Rs 2,100 crore from the Centre, he said the amount had been allotted but was delayed as a smaller amount was allotted, which the state government rejected.

Asked about his response to the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s plan of handing over a chargesheet against his government on the completion of one year in office on Christmas he said, "The BJP is feeling the heat and now they are resorting to these tactics . It is my duty to look into all charges against the previous BJP regime. I can assure you that no charges will be fabricated."