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SC rejects PIL challenging practice of appointing deputy CMs

“A deputy CM is first and foremost a minister in the government of the state and this does not breach the Constitution,” the SC bench said

In the SC hearing, the bench emphasised that the designation of deputy CMs is merely a "label" and did not "change the status"  (photo: National Herald archives)
In the SC hearing, the bench emphasised that the designation of deputy CMs is merely a "label" and did not "change the status" (photo: National Herald archives) National Herald archives

The Supreme Court on Monday, 12 February refused to entertain a PIL challenging the practice of appointing deputy chief ministers and said this does not breach the Constitution.

“This is just a label and even if you call someone a deputy chief minister, it does not change the status,” a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachaud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said while trashing the PIL filed by the Public Political Party.

“A deputy CM is first and foremost a minister in the government of the state and this does not breach the Constitution,” the bench said, adding that it does not create a class in itself.

The lawyer, appearing for the PIL petitioner, said states are setting a wrong example by appointing deputy chief ministers and this violates Article 14 (right to equality) under the Constitution. The bench said such appointments do not breach any constitutional provisions.

Published: 12 Feb 2024, 1:07 PM IST

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Published: 12 Feb 2024, 1:07 PM IST