Hours after the Supreme Court on Friday rejected the last attempt by the Congress to scuttle installation of new Government in the State, dissident Congress leader Kalikho Pul was sworn in as the ninth Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh late in the evening.
Ending the political instability that has been continuing in the North-Eastern State for the last two months, Governor JP Rajkhowa administered the oath of office and secrecy to Pul at the Raj Bhavan. Sources in the Raj Bhavan said that only Pul took the oath.
Pul enjoyed the support of 31 legislators in the 60-member House — including 18 Congress legislators, 11 BJP legislators and two Independents. The BJP will lend outside support to the Government to be formed by Pul and will not be a part of the Government.
Earlier, the SC rejected Congress’ plea to order a quick floor test by Nabam Tuki in the Assembly. This came a day after the SC vacated its order directing status quo paving the way for a new Government formation in the State.
Following the Thursday’s order, the former Congress Government in Arunachal Pradesh led by Nabam Tuki, sought to take another gamble by seeking intervention of the court for a quick floor test in the Assembly.
The oral demand made by senior advocate Kapil Sibal was based on an apprehension that a new Government appointed by the Governor could dissolve the House.
Rejecting the demand, the Bench of Justices JS Khehar, Dipak Misra, Madan B lokur, PC Ghose and NV Ramana said, “This may be a possible manner of dealing with the issue, but the matter is still pending before us and we have not yet tendered our decision.”
Sibal argued that the party enjoyed majority in the Assembly and a direction for floor test could settle the issue before the Assembly is dissolved. “What we have suspected all that has come true,” Sibal said, seeking intervention from the court. Justice Khehar said, “We may agree with you and may not agree with you in the case. But if we agree with you, then everyone knows what will happen. Nobody will take that chance,” referring to the apprehension of a new Government being formed in the State. The court said that any view in this matter will be taken only after the entire case was fully heard.
Sibal was swift to suggest another possibility. “What if the Assembly is dissolved and till the holding of snap polls, they retain power,” he argued. But the Bench refused to be drawn by an apprehension and said that passing any order may not be in fitness of things as each member of the Constitution Bench could hold a different view with regard to final outcome. The Bench continued with the hearing on the appeals filed by former Congress Government on the validity of Governor’s action to dismiss the elected Government at a time when the Assembly was in “suspended animation” under President’s Rule.