Centre challenges Uttarakhand HC order in SC, Rawat officiates as CM

The Centre approached the Supreme Court to get President’s Rule reinstated in Uttarakhand on Friday, a day after the state high court quashed it saying there wasn’t enough ground to dismiss Harish Rawat’s Congress-led government.

The BJP-ruled central government, which faces allegations that it is trying to grab power in opposition-ruled states, contends that courts do not have the right to review President’s Rule.

The Supreme Court, however, asked the central government to first get its petition listed for hearing after which Chief Justice TS Thakur will decide on the judges who will deal with the matter.

The plea will likely be taken up by the court later in the day or on Monday.

Rawat, who has to prove his majority in assembly on April 29, has also filed a caveat in the top court to ensure no order is passed without giving him a hearing.

The government ‘s decision came after a meeting at the residence of BJP chief Amit Shah, which included home minister Rajnath Singh and finance minister Arun Jaitley. Sources said the meeting discussed the party’s options in dealing with the situation.

Read more: From horse to high court, BJP’s strategy in Uttarakhand faltering

Though President’s rule has been set aside, Rawat must prove his majority in the 70-member assembly on April 29.

Read more: HC quashes Prez Rule in Uttarakhand

The reinstated chief minister officiated a cabinet meeting on Thursday night that gave its nod to 11 proposals including the reappointment of over 6,000 guest teachers on a monthly stipend of Rs 15,000.

Among other proposals cleared by the cabinet was the recommendation to set up a committee under the finance minister for revision of circle rates of land and to ensure all state-run colleges run on morning and evening shifts.

The ministers also cleared a proposal for increasing all social pensions by Rs 200. The move will benefit nearly seven lakh pensioners, but would put an additional burden of Rs 13.5 crore on the exchequer, according to officials.

During another cabinet meeting in Dehradun on Friday, Rawat said the Centre had every right to approach the apex court. He was however confident that no relief would be forthcoming from the Supreme Court.

(With inputs from agencies)