Supreme Court Dismisses Petition Seeking President's Rule In Uttar Pradesh Dismissing Yogi Adityanath Government
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation(PIL) petition which sought the imposition of President's Rule in the State of Uttar Pradesh after dissolving the state government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.A bench headed by Chief Justice of India dismissed the petition filed by a lawyer named C R Jaya Sukin who sought a direction upon the Central Government to...
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation(PIL) petition which sought the imposition of President's Rule in the State of Uttar Pradesh after dissolving the state government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India dismissed the petition filed by a lawyer named C R Jaya Sukin who sought a direction upon the Central Government to impose State Emergency under Article 356 of the Constitution in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Courtroom Exchange
"Lot of extra-judicial killings, arbitrary killings taking place in UP. But till date, Union Govt has not given any advise", submitted C R Jaya Sukin.
"Have you studied the crime records of other states?", asked CJI Bobde.
"Of total number of crimes in India, more than 30% are in UP", replied the petitioner.
CJI : How is your fundamental right affected?
Jaya Sukin : I am an Indian citizen.
CJI : We will impose heavy costs if you argue further. Dismissed.
The plea has been filed in the backdrop of various incidents that took place in the state, over the span of one year, which as per Mr. Sukin indicate that "a situation has arisen in which the government of the Uttar Pradesh State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution."Article 356 of the Constitution refers to failure of constitutional machinery in a State in which case, the President of India, on receipt of report from the Governor of the State or otherwise, may impose President rule thereof.Mr. Sukin has primarily referred to the following incidents, to make out his case:
- The heinous Hathras Gang Rape Case
- Illegal detention of Dr. Kafeel Khan
- Police excesses and human rights violations during AMU violence
- Erection of Name and shame banners against anti-CAA protestors
- Failure to ensure right to life and medical care to citizens, in reference to demise of an 8-month pregnant woman in Gautam Buddha Nagar due to non-availability of beds in hospitals
- Failure to grant adequate protection to victim in the Unnao rape case
It has been submitted that Uttar Pradesh state ranks as the "most unsafe state for women" in the country.
It is alleged that injustice has been caused to the entire population of the state and their basic amenities have been affected due to "non-appreciation of relevant materials in an objective and impartial manner by the State of Uttar Pradesh".
"Such discrimination will amount to arbitrary and unreasonable exercise of power and the same shall not be inconformity Article 14, 16, 21 of the Constitution of India," Mr. Sukin submitted.
Inter alia, he has alleged the following shortcomings in the administration:
- Unlawful and arbitrary killings, including extrajudicial killings perpetrated by police (fake encounters)
- Torture by prison officials
- Arbitrary arrest and detention by government authorities
- Political prisoners in the state
- Restrictions on freedom of expression and the press, including violence, threats of violence, or unjustified arrests or prosecutions against journalists
- Use of criminal libel laws to prosecute social media speech, censorship, and site blocking
- Overly restrictive rules on non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Frequent reports of widespread corruption at all levels of government (including facilitation of human traficcking)
- Violence and discrimination targeting minorities based on religious affiliation or social status
- Rising crimes against Dalits
- Forced and compulsory child labor, including bonded labor
- Joblessness and poverty
- Unsafe state for women
- Police attack on national leaders
- Unjustified communication blockades and internet shutdowns
- Unchecked Honour killings
- Frequent Mob lynching
- Spike in unemployment
He therefore seeks invocation of a State emergency, with immediate effect.