The Kerala High Court has closed a writ petition challenging a State Police Chief circular said to prohibit police participation in temple ceremonies, after recording the State’s affidavit clarifying that the circular bars only participation in religious rituals while in police uniform, except on official duty, and does not curtail policing functions at festivals or the religious rights of any devotee or denomination. The petition was disposed of on that clarification, without a ruling on the circular’s validity.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation seeking a direction to appoint a new Governor on the ground that the incumbent’s five-year term had expired. Relying on the proviso to Article 156(3) and the Supreme Court’s decision in Krishna Ballabh Sahay, the Court held that a Governor continues in office until his successor enters upon it, so no constitutional vacuum arises. It also faulted the petitioner for not disclosing his bona fides.
The Bombay High Court granted industrialist Anil Ambani interim protection from prosecution and penalties in a tax-evasion case while admitting his petition challenging provisions of the Black Money Act. Ambani contends that certain provisions of the law are unconstitutional and violate the Constitution of India.
A petition before the Supreme Court challenges the reappointment of Bihar Panchayati Raj Minister Deepak Prakash, questioning the constitutional validity of a non-legislator continuing in ministerial office. The plea seeks a writ of quo warranto and interpretation of Article 164(4) of the Constitution.
