Just in: The Supreme Court  clears the decks for formation of a new govt in Arunachal Pradhesh. The SC vacates the February 17 order asking for a status quo to be maintained.


The Apex Court yesterday directed the Narendra Modi government to maintain status quo in Arunachal Pradesh. The ruling, which came shortly after the Union Cabinet recommended that President's rule be revoked in the state, put paid to any possibility of a rebel Congress government being propped up with dissident leader Kalikho Pul as the chief minister.


 The Union Cabinet had earlier in the day recommended that President's rule be revoked on the basis of a home ministry note.

The note incorporated a report from Governor JP Rajkhowa on the political situation there in which he claimed that conditions were conducive to permit parties to go for a floor test, officials said. With the court staying the recommendation, the Modi government will need to approach the court through the Attorney General before it can be forwarded to the President for action. If the government does so unilaterally, it risks facing a confrontation with the judiciary.