Uttarakhand: President's Rule to continue; no floor test on April 29

New Delhi: President's Rule will continue in Uttarakhand and the April 29 floor test in the Assembly ordered by the High Court will not take place as the Supreme Court on Wednesday extended its stay on the quashing of the Central rule.

Hearing the Centre's appeal against the Uttarakhand High Court judgement revoking President's rule, the apex court framed seven tough questions and even gave liberty to the Attorney General to include other questions the government would like to be addressed.

The bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and Shiva Kirti Singh posted the matter for further hearing on May 3 amidst indication that the verdict may be pronounced before the court breaks for summer vacation by the middle of next month.

Read: We have faith in the judiciary: Harish Rawat

The bench made it clear that it was extending the stay on the Uttarakhand High Court verdict till further orders on the consent of parties.

Last week, the top court had stayed till April 27 the judgement of Uttarakhand High Court quashing the imposition of President's Rule in the state.

Read: After 24 hours, Uttarakhand back to President rule for 5 days

Earlier today, the Supreme Court asked Centre to justify the imposition of President's Rule in Uttarakhand.

Hearing the Centre's plea against the Uttarakhand High Court order, the apex court sought to know whether the Governor could have sent a message in the present manner under Article175 (2) to conduct a floor test and if delay in the floor test can be a ground for the proclamation of President's rule in the state.

Read: Uttarakhand HC strikes down Prez rule, tells Rawat to prove majority

The apex court also sought to know whether disqualification of MLAs by the Uttarakhand Speaker is a relevant issue for the purpose of imposing President's rule under Article 356 and proceedings in the Uttarakhand assembly can be taken note of by the President for imposing his rule.

The apex court further asked the Centre as to what is the stage of Appropriation Bill and when President's rule comes into the picture with regards to the Appropriation Bill.

"Conventionally if a money bill is failed, the government goes, but who is to say money bill hasn't been passed if Speaker doesn't say so? Whether the Governor can ask the Speaker for division of votes as both are constitutional authorities," the apex court sought to know.

Read: Pranab Mukherjee imposes President’s rule in Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand High Court had earlier this month set aside President's rule in the state while restoring deposed chief minister Harish Rawat.

On March 27, President Pranab Mukherjee signed the proclamation under Article 356 of the Constitution dismissing the Congress government headed by Harish Rawat and placing the Assembly under suspended animation on recommendation of the Union Cabinet.

Read: Setback for Centre: Uttarakhand HC strikes down President’s Rule in state

Political crisis struck Uttarakhand after nine Congress MLAs, including former chief minister Vijay Bahuguna,  revolted against the chief minister and turned to the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for support.

The rebel Congress MLAs had alleged they were offered bribe by Harish Rawat for support during the floor test and released a video of a “sting” operation purportedly showing the CM, who called it “fake”.

The Congress alleged the “dirty tricks department” of BJP president Amit Shah was at work, while the saffron outfit demanded “immediate dismissal” of the Rawat government.