SC virtually paves way for govt formation in Arunachal Pradesh

The court said it is prima facie satisfied with the High Court order staying the disqualification of the 14 rebel Congress MLAs

The Supreme Court today virtually paved the way for government formation in Arunachal Pradesh by vacating its order on maintenance of status quo, after being satisfied with the Gauhati High Court order staying the disqualification of the 14 rebel Congress MLAs.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice J S Khehar, on perusing the records regarding disqualification of 14 rebel Congress MLAs, said it is prima facie satisfied with the High Court order.

"Prima facie we are not inclined to interfere with the High Court order, we are satisfied with it. Having seen the original records which are put before us by the Registrar General of Gauhati High Court, the order of January 7 calls for no interference at this stage.

"Accordingly, the ad-interim order passed is vacated," the bench also comprising Justices Dipak Misra, M B Lokur, P C Ghose and N V Ramana said.

The bench also transferred the case regarding disqualification of the 14 legislators from the single judge to the division bench of the high court and asked it to expeditiously decide the matter within two weeks.

The bench, however, made it clear that any further action taken will be subject to the outcome of the matter pending before it.