Puducherry turf war: SC defers hearing

The Supreme Court on Friday extended its previous order restraining the Congress government in Puducherry from implementing any of its cabinet decisions having financial implications or connected with land transfer.

A vacation bench comprising Justices Deepak Gupta and Surya Kant said the court will conduct further hearing on July 10.

The Congress government initially during the hearing sought modification of the June 4 order to continue its free ration scheme, but preferred not to pursue the plea till the next date of hearing.

On June 4, the apex court issued notice to Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy and directed that any cabinet decision involving financial implication or land transfer cannot be implemented till the next date of hearing.

The court had said the cabinet meeting set for June 7 in Puducherry could take a decision on these issues but they cannot be implemented.

On May 28, the top court agreed to hear a petition filed by Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi seeking clarity on the administrative control of the Union Territory.

In her plea, Bedi argued that government officers in Puducherry were caught in a bind after the apex court issued a notice on a Madras High Court order that curbed Bedi's powers. IANS