In political terms, the verdict is yet another rebuff to the Narendra Modi government, after the Uttarakhand misadventure that led to the reinstatement of Harish Rawat as Chief Minister. A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has ruled that status quo ante as on December 15, 2015, should be restored in Arunachal Pradesh. Legally, the main significance of the Arunachal Pradesh verdict lies in the clarity it provides on the Governor’s role. Once again, a Congress Chief Minister unseated by internal rebellion that enjoyed the backing of a friendly regime at the Centre is set to return to office. The Governor has no authority to resolve disputes within a political party; nor is he the conscience-keeper of the legislature.

Source: The Hindu July 13, 2016 20:03 UTC