Arunachal row: SC to pronounce verdict on discretionary powers of Governor

The Supreme Court on Wednesday will pronounce its verdict on petitions dealing with discretionary powers of the Governor to summon or advance the assembly sessions in Arunachal Pradesh.

Earlier, Governor J.P. Rajkhowa had advanced the winter session of the Assembly without consulting the then chief minister, Nabam Tuki, and rebel Congress lawmakers sought to impeach the Speaker at a makeshift venue.

The bench said the verdict in this case will not only have its effect in Arunachal Pradesh but would affect every state.

Senior advocate T R Andhyarujina, appearing for the Governor, said Rajkhowa had acted under his discretionary power to advance the session of the House.

He claimed the Governor was assaulted by two ministers of the Nabam Tuki government and abused by the Congress party leaders at his house.

"If he has no powers of discretion, then the whole thing falls. If he has the power of discretion, then the sequences follows," Andhyarujina said.

However court had refused to pass any interim order on the swearing-in of a rebel Congress leader as Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, telling the petitioner that it can "set the clock back" if the Governor's actions are found unconstitutional

Senior lawyer F.S. Nariman, appearing for the Congress, had sought an interim order on last Friday's swearing-in of rebel Kalikho Pul as Chief Minister, hours after President's rule was lifted.