Madras HC dismisses Puduherry CM's plea against Governor Kiran Bedi's decision

Mras High Court on Friday dismissed a petition filed by Chief Minister of Puducherry V Narayanasamy against Goverr Kiran Bedi which challenged latter's decision to distribute cash inste of free rice to ration cardholders. 

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HC dismisses  petition 

Narayanaswamy h stated that on June 7, 2019, government h passed a resolution which required to continue welfare schemes to provide items and later referred scheme to Union Home Ministry. Home Ministry, in turn, directed government to continue Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme.

Justice C V Karthikeyan stated that as per Union Territory Act, decision of  President is binding on ministrator and Ministers. He stated, “When a decision has been rendered by President, n furr actions must only be according to decision given by President. This is binding on Council of Ministers, which includes Chief Minister, and also Lieutenant Goverr. All who have taken an oath to abide by provisions of Constitution are bound by it. It is t for this court to call for explanations from Ministry of Home Affairs as to what were supervening circumstances which prevailed upon President to give a decision that Direct Benefit Transfer (cash) scheme must be preferred in lieu of distribution of free rice. immunity guaranteed under Constitution is sacrosanct."

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Reacting to verdict, Narayanawamy told a meeting of PCC executive that "it is a day of grief" for him, while Bedi welcomed it, saying scheme 'will check all possible leaks and pilfers.'

Judge also stated that Goverr should make efforts to solve matter with respected authorities before making a reference to President. He observed that in this case, Goverr h me such efforts to arrive at an amicable solution. 

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(with inputs from ncies)