We are proud of Indian democracy, judiciary: Congress on Uttarakhand High Court rule

 The Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday has set aside the Central government's decision to impose President's Rule in the state and has asked Chief Minister Harish Rawat to go for a floor test in the Assembly on April 29.

"INC is proud of Indian democracy & the Indian Judiciary to whom any Indian can turn to for relief," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said while addressing a press conference.

The Congress attacked the Centre over the issue of imposition of President's Rule in Uttarakhand.

"Never in our history has the Central Government imposed President's Rule to stay the order of a Speaker to have a floor test," Singhvi said.

He said: "Never before has there been such a blatant interference through the misuse of Article 356."

Article 356 of the Constitution deals with the issue of President’s Rule in states.

"Power is available only through democratic means and not through misuse of Article 356," he said.

The Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday warned the Centre against doing any "provocative' act and wanted an assurance that it will not revoke the President's Rule imposed in the state before a verdict is passed  on the issue.

“The highest body, government of India is involved…The petitioners apprehension is that Central would revoke the President’s rule before we pass our final order…More than anger we are pained…how can you play with the court…this is travesty of justice,” the bench of Chief Justice K M Joseph and Justice V K Bist said.

The bench was hearing arguments on ousted Chief Minister Harish Rawat’s petition challenging imposition of President’s Rule and related petitions.