Arunachal Pradesh Governor J. P. Rajkhowa cited ‘cow slaughter’ to make the case for law and order breakdown. The issue has got unparalled attention in the media. That could be taken as one healthy development out of an ugly saga of political intrigue. After all, the seven-sister states in the North-East have so far seen imposition of President’s Rule or an extension of it for 27 times but it has never ever dominated political and public discourse earlier up to this level. The Supreme Court’s order seeking the governor’s report in flat 15 minutes that suggested breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state and recommended imposition of President’s Rule is interpreted differently by various political parties. After hearing Congress’ petition the apex court issued notices to the Centre seeking its response by Friday before fixing coming Monday as the day of next hearing. The Congress will file fresh petition challenging the President’s Rule. The issue here is three-fold — legality and constitutionality, morality and of political dynamics. The proceedings in the apex court and the view it takes will of course be on the legality and constitutionality but it will have a huge bearing on the final decision taken by the Government in view of judges response.
C.K. Ramani
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
