Advantage BJP: SC stays Uttarakhand HC verdict

The Bharatiya Janata Party has got a shot in the arm in the seesawing battle for Uttarakhand as the Supreme Court on Friday stayed the state High Court’s verdict till 27 April. The Uttarakhand HC had invalidated President rule.

A Bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and Shiva Kirti Singh said that it was keeping the High Court judgment in abeyance till the next date of hearing on April  27. It said that the High Court shall provide the judgment to the parties by April 26; on the same date a copy verdict shall also be placed before the apex court.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat reacted in a stoic manner. He tweeted, “This order is interim, till 27th, because SC didn’t have HC’s judgment copy.” In another tweet, he said, “All in all, the state is facing a huge issue. Until SC makes a final judgment, President’s rule can’t be revoked.”

Vijay Bahuguna, a rebel Cong MLA, appeared happy. He tweeted, “Good judgment, quite hopeful that view of HC wont find favor with SC.”