Expressing satisfaction over the judgement given by the Madras High Court on the powers of Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi vis-a-vis the elected government, Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy on Thursday (March 12, 2020) said the court in its order has upheld the spirit of the Constitution and addressed most of the concerns about the style of functioning of Ms. Bedi.
“We are satisfied with the judgement as it upholds the spirit of the Constitution, Union Territories Act and Business rules which govern Puducherry. We have been telling that everyone has to function within the framework of rules. The government’s view has been upheld” he said while addressing a press conference along with his Parliamentary secretary K. Lakshminarayanan.
The court in its judgement has clearly stated that “the popularly elected Government of Puducherry no doubt represents the will of the people and the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers is binding on the administrator (L.G.),” he said quoting the relevant observations made by the judges in the order.
"The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government and to protect its free expression should be our first object” Mr. Narayanasamy said.
Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy have had several face-offs in the past over administration. Narayanasamy had accused Kiran Bedi of working on orders of the Centre to disrupt the functioning of his government.
"She has no power at all, she has to only be a post office and sign papers which have been sent by the council of ministers. She has no right to touch cabinet decisions, she is vetoing decisions. She is being encouraged by the PM to create problems for our government," added Narayanasamy.
“We have no intention to work independently or in collision with the Lt Governor. We have been insisting on everyone working within the boundaries of rules. Now any violation will be treated as contempt of court” he said.
Mr. Narayanasamy said he would compile all the relevant portions of the judgement and issue a standing order so that the officials work as per the laid down procedures. Kiran Bedi had denied all allegations levelled against her and claimed that she had been functioning in terms of the powers conferred on her under the Government of Union Territories Act of 1963.
Author: Aishwarya Bajpai
