SC refuses to Intervene in Puducherry Power Tussle

The Supreme Court has refused to interfere with the Madras High Court order that curbed Puducherry Lieutenant Governor’s powers on the administrative control of the Union Territory of the Puducherry. The Supreme Court has asked the Lieutenant Governor (LG) to seek relief in the Madras High Court.

What was the Verdict of the Madras High Court?

• The LG is bound by the decisions taken by the Council of Ministers in matters which rests with the legislature of Puducherry as contemplated under Section 44 of the Government of Union Territories Act, 1962.
• The LG cannot interfere in the day to day affairs of the Government. The decision taken by the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister is binding on the Secretaries and other officials.
• The Administrator has no exclusive authority to run the administration as it negates the Constitutional Principles and the Parliamentary Laws.

This verdict of the Madras High Court was challenged in the Supreme Court by the LG seeking status quo prior to the high court order that curtailed her administrative powers.