SC resumes hearing on examining Guv's powers

The Supreme Court, which is considering pleas against the imposition of President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh, on Tuesday resumed hearing on earlier petitions, seeking examination of constitutional schemes on the scope of discretionary powers of the Governor.

A five-judge Bench, headed by Justice JS Khehar, examined in detail certain communications between the offices of the Governor and the Chief Minister before the imposition of Central rule in the crisis-hit hill state. "There are little more serious queries on it and we will raise them tomorrow," the Bench, also comprising Justices Dipak Misra, MB Lokur, PC Ghose and NV Ramana, said.

The Bench is also examining the authority of Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa as to whether he can advance the Assembly session without the aid and advice of the Chief Minister and his council of ministers.

The court, which has been hearing various pleas arising out of the Gauhati high court judgement in the political crisis case, now has to deal with many fresh petitions against the imposition of Central rule in the state.

Deposed Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, ex-Assembly speaker Nabam Rebia and some other Congress leaders have moved the Apex Court.

On Monday, the court conceded its "mistake" and recalled a notice it issued to the state Governor in cases arising out of imposition of President's Rule.

It, however, rejected the Centre's opposition in giving documents, seized from the former CM and his Cabinet colleagues after Central rule was imposed, to them. The court will resume hearing on the petitions seeking examination of powers of Governors on Tuesday.