Conduct New LG Swearing in the presence of Puducherry Chief Judge

Press Statement issued by G.Sugumaran, Secretary, Federation for People’s Rights (FPR) on 25.07.2009:

On behalf of Federation for People’s Rights (FPR), Puducherry, we would like to point out that the decision to conduct the swearing in ceremony of the new Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry his excellency Iqbal Singh, in the presence of the Honourable Chief Justice of Madras High Court, instead of the Honourable Chief Judge of Puducherry, not only violates the legal precedence, but would be in contravention to the established tradition followed in Puducherry from the French regime.

Earlier, it was announced that the oath taking ceremony will be conducted on 27th July 2009 Monday, in the presence of Honourable Judge D.Krishnaraja, the Chief Judge of Puducherry.

It is understood that the decision taken earlier has been changed and it is proposed to conduct the ceremony in the presence of Honourable Justice H.L.Gohale, the Chief Justice of Madras High Court.

The precedence to conduct the swearing in ceremony in the presence of Chief Judge of Puducherry, is being followed from French regime. Any violation of this precedence and established legal procedure would be construed as a dishonor to the entire people of Puducherry. We like to point out, with good intention that no disgrace should come to the Honourable Chief Justice of Madras High Court in this regard.

Though there is no specific provision in Indian Constitution, the principle and procedure followed by a longer period becomes a statutory binding, which need to be respected with dignity. In this context, the swearing in ceremony proposed to be conducted by the Honourable Chief Justice of Madras, would be certainly against the Law.

In order to uphold the established Law and Procedures of our Union Territory of Puducherry, it would be appropriate to conduct the swearing in ceremony in the presence of the Chief Judge of Puducherry. So, we request the Puducherry Government to take steps to conduct the swearing in ceremony in the presence of the Chief Judge of Puducherry.

We are also going to send a memorandum in this regard to President of India, Chief Justice of India, Chief Justice of High Court of Madras, Law and Home Secretary of Government of India, Chief Secretary and Law Secretary of Government of Puducherry for necessary action.