Madras HC issues notice to MHA over its 2017 clarifications on L-G's power

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Friday issued a notice to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on a plea challenging the validity of two clarifications issued by the ministry last year regarding the powers enjoyed by lieutenant governor (L-G) of a Union Territory.

Justice T Raja passed the order on the plea moved by Congress' Puducherry MLA K Lakshminarayanan assailing the clarifications dated January 27 and June 16 last year.

The MHA had in the clarifications made it clear that the lieutenant governor (L-G) of the Union Territory enjoys more power than a governor of a state and can act without the aid and advice of the council of ministers.

The ministry also said the L-G can call for files relating to any case and request the chief minister for an update on any doubt or query which may arise.

The clarification came amidst the tussle between Puducherry L-G Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy over powers designated to the two authorities.

The petitioner, however, claimed that the clarifications were issued at the instance of the Puducherry Lieutenant Governor.

The clarifications have been issued in total contravention of the Rules of Business of the Government of Puducherry, 1963, he alleged.

The petitioner said Chief Minister V Narayanasamy had already made representation to the authorities concerned, explaining the constitutional position, but the authorities have not responded to the communication.

He said Bedi believed in her "individual wish and will over the collective responsibility and wisdom of the council of ministers".

"Therefore, she wants to impose, substitute and perpetrate her ideas, thoughts and decisions by running a parallel government," Lakshminarayanan submitted.