New Delhi: On the one hand, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi sacked Minister Senthil Balaji, who was jailed on charges of cash for a job scam, at 7 pm last Thursday. At the same time, he took back his decision after just five hours.
Significantly, the Governor had also issued an order to sack Balaji from the Council of Ministers with immediate effect. But now he will take a final decision on this only after the advice of the Attorney General. On the other hand, according to some other media reports, the Governor had withdrawn his decision after consulting the Union Home Ministry.
On the other hand, CM MK Stalin called this decision wrong and said to challenge it in court. On the matter, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said, “The Governor has no such authority, we will face it legally.” It is being said that the Governor did not even consult CM MK Stalin to sack Senthil.
Senthil will continue to be a minister for the time being
Late-night sources in the Governor’s House had said that the Governor spoke to the Attorney General on the issue and had put his decision on hold. Balaji will now continue to be a minister. You know, there are allegations of corruption against Senthil. He was arrested by the ED on June 14 in connection with this matter. Later, the court sent Balaji to judicial custody till July 12.
Following the incident on Thursday, DMK supporters pasted posters near Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters in Chennai, questioning Governor RN Ravi, who is still in the cabinet and has several cases against him, for his action.
What does the Constitution say?
Now the question is arising here whether the Governor has the right to dismiss any cabinet minister from his post. According to a private media report on the matter, Article 164 (1) of the Constitution provides that the Chief Minister in the state is selected by the Governor on the basis of a majority vote. And the ministers are selected by the Governor on the advice of the CM.
On the other hand, according to this report, the governor neither has the right to remove any minister nor to appoint anyone. They cannot even appoint any minister without the advice of the Chief Minister. At present, there is a ruckus in Tamil Nadu regarding the matter.
