The Supreme Court of India, on Wednesday, expressed its deep concern over the interference of governors in political processes with the motive to overthrow democratically elected governments. The Court strongly criticized the active role played by governors in state politics, which is detrimental to the democratic process of the country.
The Supreme Court referred to the decision made by the then-governor of Maharashtra, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, last year, when he ordered a floor test in the state assembly. The decision was made at a time when the Shiv Sena was facing a political crisis. The Shiv Sena had contested the elections in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and had won a majority of seats. However, the alliance broke up, and the Shiv Sena formed a new alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress. This move created a political crisis in the state, and the governor, in a controversial move, ordered a floor test to test the majority of the government.
The Supreme Court's criticism of the governor's decision to intervene in political processes has come at a time when several other states are also facing similar political crises. The Court's statement is significant as it highlights the importance of maintaining the constitutional balance of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government.
The Supreme Court's statement has raised questions about the role of governors in state politics and their powers to dismiss a government or order a floor test. It is pertinent to note that the governors are appointed by the central government and act as representatives of the President of India in the states. The governor's role is primarily ceremonial, but they also have the power to summon, prorogue, and dissolve the state assembly.
In recent years, there have been several instances where the governors have been accused of interfering in state politics and playing a partisan role. The Supreme Court's statement has brought attention to the issue and has highlighted the need to re-examine the powers and responsibilities of governors in the Indian federal system.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court's statement has emphasized the importance of maintaining the constitutional balance of powers and preventing the interference of governors in political processes aimed at toppling democratically elected governments. The statement is significant as it has brought attention to the need for reforms in the powers and responsibilities of governors in the Indian federal system.
