INDIA BUSINESS WORLD - JANUARY 1^st - JANUARY 15^th - 2008

PRESIDENT'S RULE IN NAGALAND

Following consideration of reports received from the Governor of Nagaland, it has been decided to invoke Article 356(1) of the Constitution and impose Presidents rule in the State, while keeping the Legislative Assembly in suspended animation.

The reports of the Governor indicated that for the past few months, the political situation in Nagaland has been in a state of flux, which climaxed in the developments in the State Assembly on 13th December, 2007 when a motion of no confidence was taken up for consideration. The voting pattern clearly demonstrated that the Government of the day had lost the majority support. Votes cast by nine members of the Legislative Assembly were not counted and three members were not allowed to vote by the Speaker. The decision not to count or allow the votes was against the Constitutional provisions. These facts amounted to Constitutional break-down of the State machinery, and the Government of the day was not in a position to be run in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. In these circumstances, there was no option except to invoke the provisions of Article 356(1) and recommend imposition of Presidents rule in the State.

The Governor and the State Administration have been asked to take all measures so that a fair and impartial administration and governance as per the Constitution and provisions of law are provided to the people of the State.

Necessary steps for the appointment of Advisers to assist the Governor are also being taken