Ashish J. Desai sworn in as new Chief Justice of Kerala HC
Governor Arif Mohammed Khan administered the oath of office to Desai at a solemn function in the Raj Bhavan- the official residence of Khan.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has indicated that he would refer the Ordinance seeking to remove him as the Chancellor of the universities in the state to the President for a decision.
Speaking to media persons on Saturday evening, Khan said: “If I am the target, then I shall not be the judge in my own cause. A decision will be made only after scrutinizing the ordinance.”
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“I will see it and if I come to the conclusion that the purpose is to target me, then I shall not sit in judgement over it. I shall refer it to the President,” he said.
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CPI-M –led LDF government in Kerala on Saturday sent the Ordinance to remove the Governor as the Chancellor of the universities in the state to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan for his assent
The Governor further said that he would welcome it if the government decides to move legally.
It was on Wednesday that the state Cabinet decided to bring in an Ordinance to remove the Governor as the Chancellor of the universities in the state.
It has been pointed out that the government could be on a sticky wicket if the Ordinance is referred to the President, as the state will not be able to bring in a bill in the Assembly, till the President takes a call on the said Ordinance.
However, it has been reported that the government has received legal advice stating that even if the ordinance is under the consideration of the President, there is no obstacle to introducing and passing the bill in the Assembly.
Law Minister P Rajeeve on Sunday said the state Assembly has the right to decide who should be the Chancellor of universities.
Speaking to media persons in Kochi, Rajeeve said that the appointment of Chancellor and the formation of universities are entirely within the purview of the state
“It is not about removing someone. It is about who needs to be in that position. The legislature has the right to decide who should be the Chancellor of the university,” he said.
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