The Allahabad high court's verdict restoring the Kalyan Singh government in Uttar Pradesh is a welcome move. The court's decision unmistakably conveys that democratic traditions have taken strong roots in this country, despite the best efforts of men like governor Romesh Bhandari.Safeguarding the nation's democratic fabric is a responsibility that does not vest with the judiciary alone. The lameduck caretaker government at the centre miserably failed in its duty when it passively witnessed the partisan manner in which Bhandari dismissed the BJP government in the state.
However, the landmark decision of the Allahabad high court has restored the peoples' confidence in the system. The judgment conveys that the judiciary shall ensure that no damage is done to the country's democratic ethos, whenever the legislature fails in its duty. That Romesh Bhandari acted in a partisan manner is clearly borne out by the fact that the Kalyan Singh government was asked to go without giving it a chance to prove itsmajority on the floor of the house. When there exists a Supreme Court judgment to this effect, not having followed the procedure amounts to a gross violation.
Further still, in all unfairness, while the Kalyan Singh government was denied an opportunity to prove its strength, the Jagdambika Pal faction was given three days to prove its majority. Such abuse of the constitution and defiance of the authority as high as the head of the state deserves extreme condemnation and appropriate action. Misuse of public office for personal aggrandisement should end. For that Romesh Bhandari must go!
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
