Kerala governor Arif Mohammed Khan hits out at state government

Kerala governor Arif Mohammed Khan lashed out at the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government for bypassing the constitutional head while approaching the SC against CAA.

Thiruvananthapuram:Kerala governor Arif Mohammad Khan said that Chief Minister approaching Supreme Court on Citizenship Amendment Act without the approval of the constitutional head is a breach of protocol and a breach of courtesy.

"I will look into it whether the state govt can go to the SC without the approval of the Governor. If not the approval, they could have just informed me," Khan said.

"There is a legal maxim, neither I nor anyone is above the law. Clearly, I am not against anyone approaching the judiciary. But, with me being the Constitutional head of the state, they (the state government) should have informed me about it, but I came to know through the newspapers. Some people here, think they are above law," Khan added.

Besides, making his stand very clear, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said that he is not a rubber stamp and will apply his own mind. Khan was reacting to the media after reports surfaced that he refused to sign an ordinance approved by the Kerala cabinet to increase the number of members in local bodies.

Read: Kerala will be at forefront for protecting the Constitution: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

"I make it very clear that the Constitution does not expect me to be a rubber stamp. I have to apply my own mind. I will need time to go through what the ordinance is all about. With the assembly session soon to be convened what was the need. I have raised some questions and I need to get the answers and after that I will apply my mind. I never said I will not sign it," said Khan.

In reply to a question that the government will return it to him if he won't sign, Khan shot back, "who said so, there is nothing like that."

Khan of late has been putting his foot down and has taken a tough position in the manner the Pinarayi Vijayan government has been taking positions on the Citizenship Amendment Act.