Arunachal Guv to challenge Gauhati high court order

Expressing “extreme surprise”, Arunachal Pradesh Governor JP Rajkohwa on Friday decided to appeal against the Gauhati high court order, staying his notification advancing the session of the state Assembly after which the Speaker and Chief Minister were “voted out” and a new CM “elected” in makeshift premises.

After obtaining all relevant documents, including the writ petition filed and the copy of the order of the Single Judge Bench, an appeal would be made, a Raj Bhawan communique stated. 

“The Governor is extremely surprised to know that a Single Judge Bench of Gauhati High Court Justice Hrishikesh Roy had issued a stay order, staying the December 9 order of the Governor for preponing the Assembly session from January 14, 2016, to December 16 under Article 174 (1) of the Constitution of India and also other proceedings, including the removal of speaker Nabam Rebia by a resolution of 33 MLAs and asking for maintaining status quo ante,” the communique added.

It, however, did not say where the challenging petition would be filed – whether before a division bench of the High Court or the Supreme Court.

The Raj Bhavan’s reaction comes a day after the HC stayed the notification by which the Governor advanced the session from January 14, 2016, to December 16. The judge has posted the case for hearing on February 1, 2016. While the Assembly premises were sealed by Speaker Nabam Rebia, on Wednesday rebel Congress MLAs along with BJP and Independent members “removed” the Speaker and elected the Deputy Speaker in his place. On Thursday, the MLAs met at a hotel to adopt a motion of “no-confidence” against the Chief Minister and elect another dissident Congress MLA Khaliko Pul in his place. Rebia moved the High Court against the actions of Governor and the Deputy Speaker.