Eleven ordinances, including the Lokayukta Act amendment, were repealed. The Governor has not signed the order to extend these which have expired. It remains to be seen whether the Chief Minister and the departmental ministers will meet the governors directly and explain the matter. 11 ordinances were repealed, including an amendment that curtailed the powers of the Alokayukta to prevent corruption among ministers, public servants and civil servants. The governor rejected the government’s request to extend their term.
Governor Arif Muhammad Khan did not accept the explanation given by the Chief Secretary on behalf of the government. The position of the governors is that they do not accept ordinance administration, law making should be done through the legislature, and ordinances should be issued in emergency situations. The Governor was also angered by the fact that 11 ordinances, including multiple extended ones, were submitted for approval together. The governor took a public stance that he did not sign these without studying them. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has to take the decision whether the Chief Minister will meet the Governor directly or wait for a few days and take further action. The government should also decide whether to call a church meeting as soon as possible. It needs the support of the opposition. In any case, the invalidation of Lokayukta Dedgati, at least temporarily, is a setback for the government. If the governor signs it later, the amendment will be retroactive. Further action will be taken following the Governor arrives in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.
