Puducherry Chief Minister V Naranyanaswamy was served a notice by the Supreme Court on Tuesday in connection with a petition filed by Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi over curtailment of her powers by a Madras High Court.
The apex court also told the Congress government in the Union Territory not to implement any Cabinet decision on land transfer till next date of hearing.
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According to reports, the a Vacation Bench, comprising Justices Indu Malhotra and MR Shah, however allowed the government the right to take a decision in a cabinet meeting set for 7 June.
The next date of hearing in the apex court is June 21.
The court was hearing a petition by Lt Governor Bedi seeking clarity on the administrative control of the Union Territory. The plea was filed after the Madras High Court curbed Bedi’s powers stating that she “cannot interfere” in the day-to-day affairs of Puducherry’s elected government.
In her petition before the apex court, Bedi sought status quo that was in place before the Madras HC order. The Lt Gov argued that government officers in Puducherry were caught in a bind due to the order.
Bedi and Narayanasamy have been at loggerheads on administrative issues ever since she assumed office in May 2016.
Acting on a plea, the High Court on April 30 ruled that the Lt Governor “cannot interfere with the activities of the elected government”. Narayanasamy had hailed the verdict as a “victory” of democracy.
On 10 May, the apex court admitted Bedi’s appeal to stay the High Court decision and issued a notice to various respondents, including the state government.
