Governors can't be removed due to change of regime at Centre: SC
New Delhi:In a judgement that could have deep political connotations
the Supreme Court on Friday said governors cannot be removed or transferred just because of a change of government at the Centre. A five-judge constitution Bench
headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan gave the decision on a petition challenging
the summary dismissal of governors by the President after a change of regime at
the Centre. Earlier, appearing for the petitioner, senior lawyer Soli J Sorabjee
had questioned the removal of four governors by the UPA Government after the NDA
lost elections in 2004. He had said constitutional office holders should not be
made sacrificial goats at the altar of electoral politics and should be treated
with dignity that they deserve. Sorabjee had suggested a fixed tenure for them
or in case of removal, giving of proper reasons by the President of India.
