Judiciary ‘crossed limits’: Andhra CM on HC verdict on 3 capitals issue
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday said the “judiciary crossed its limits” and went against the federal spirit in issuing an impractical order on the three capitals issue and stated the March 3 ruling of the AP High Court on the matter “cannot be implemented.”
He asserted his government would go ahead with the decentralisation plan (by establishing three different capitals for the state) as there was no alternative to it.
“Decentralisation is our policy. Decision on capitals is our right and responsibility,” the chief minister maintained, winding up a short discussion in the Legislative Assembly.
The High Court verdict, delivered by a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, was “like questioning not only the Constitution but also the powers of the legislature”. It was against the federal spirit and the legislative powers, the CM observed.
“Will the judiciary make laws? The legislature will then have no meaning. The judiciary has crossed its limits, which is unwarranted and uncalled for,” Jagan said.
“We are not conducting this House to insult the High Court. We have great respect for the High Court. At the same time, the Legislature has the responsibility to safeguard the honour and powers of the Assembly,” he remarked.
Referring to the HC order that the state government and the AP Capital Region Development Authority complete infrastructure development like roads, drinking water, drainage, electricity in the Amaravati Capital City and Region within one month, the Chief Minister asked if that would be in any way possible.
The court also directed the state to construct and develop Amaravati capital city and capital region within six months’ time.
“The HC verdict is contrary to the Supreme Court’s orders that courts should not deliver verdicts that cannot be implemented. The HC judgement (of March 3) cannot be implemented,” Jagan stressed.
He announced that there was no going back on decentralisation.
“That (decentralisation) is the right path, even if it is full of hurdles. Decentralisation means development of all regions. It is everyone’s self-respect. Decentralisation has no alternative,” the Chief Minister said.
He said the government was seeking legal counsel on the way forward and exploring alternatives in tune with the Constitution.
The AP High Court had earlier ruled that the state Legislature “lacked competence” to make any legislation for shifting, bifurcating or trifurcating the capital.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dear Reader,
Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.
As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.
Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.
Digital Editor
