Sec: 8 is in effect: HC

The High Court, while dismissing the petition filed by lawyer Krishnnaiah, who appeals the court to order the Centre to invoke Sec: 8 of the AP Reorganization Bill, has asked him “Why do you think that the Centre need to order the Governor to invoke Sec: 8? It is nowhere mentioned in the bill that the Centre has to direct the Governor for its implementation. Sec: 8 is also effective when other sections like No: 5 of the AP Reorganization Bill are effective. There is no need to insist the Centre to order the Governor to invoke Sec: 8.”

The High Court statement about Sec: 8 clarifies that the Governor doesn’t need to consult or expect orders from the Centre to invoke this Section. However, the political pressures from both state governments are making him look towards the Centre on this matter. Perhaps, Home Minister Rajnath Singh also may have suggested the Governor to take appropriate decision depending upon the situation. Hence, the Governor has to decide whether to invoke Sec: 8 or not on his own. If he wants to implement it, then even the courts may not object for it, provided strong reasons for it.