Another 8216;no8217; from President

Sources in the Law Ministry maintain that the President did not seek any clarification before returning the file. It is, however, understood that the President did not want a caretaker Government to take major decisions like appointment of Governors.

Union Law Minister Ram Jethmalani today confirmed that the President had refused to give his consent to Mathur8217;s appointment in Calcutta High Court. He attributed the decision to the Government8217;s commitment 8212; given while removing A R Kidwai from the postof West Bengal governor in May this year 8212; not to appoint new governors.

Acting Chief Justice Justice Shyamal Sen is now officiating as acting Governor. The move to appoint Mathur as chief justice was opposed by the Trinamool Congress president, Mamata Banerjee, saying that Sen was working fine as Governor for the past two months.