U'khand crisis: Centre gets two days to come up with decision on floor test

The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that it was seriously considering its suggestion to hold a floor test in Uttarakhand, which is currently under President's rule.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told the apex court that the government has not been able to form an opinion on the subject and asked for two more days to come up with a decision.

However, the apex court clarified that it would hold a final hearing to dispose of this matter quickly if the Centre says no to the floor test suggestion.

Rohatgi told the media later the Supreme Court has made it clear that even if the floor test is to take place, it will not mean the restoration of status quo ante.

"Which means the position at the time when the President's rule was imposed won't be restored. Namely of a chief minister and a government, so that position is out," he said.

"The actual modalities will be decided by the court, even in relation to the nine disqualified persons because their petition is pending," he added.

The hearing in the matter has been adjourned till May 6.

An apex court bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra had on April 27 directed the continuation of President's rule in Uttarakhand.

Posting the matter for further hearing on Tuesday, the apex court had extended the stay on the Uttarakhand High Court's order quashing the central rule in the hill state.

The two-judge division bench, comprising of Justices Dipak Mishra and Shiva Kirti Singh, had also asked several questions to the Centre asking it to justify the imposition of President's rule.

The apex court sought to know if the Governor could have sent a message in the present manner under Article175 (2) to conduct a floor test and if delay in the floor test can be a ground for the proclamation of President's rule in the state.

The apex court asked if disqualification of MLAs by the Uttarakhand Speaker is a relevant issue for the purpose of imposing President's rule under Article 356 and proceedings in the Uttarakhand Assembly can be taken note of by the President for imposing his rule.

The Centre had imposed President's rule in the state on March 27.