Goa Assembly: Path clear for Manohar Parrikar to take oath as CM at 5pm, SC suggests floor test on March 16

The Supreme Court on Tuesday cleared the path for former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to take oath as the next chief minister of Goa. Parrikar will have to face a floor test on March 16 to prove his majority. 

The Supreme Court on Tuesday slammed Congress Party over its lackadaisical approach over government formation in Goa. The court, hearing plea filed by Congress against the formation of the government by BJP, questioned its approach on the matter. 

Here are the highlights of Supreme Court’s observations on the Goa government formation dispute: 

Governor first: During the hearing on Congress' petition SC bench headed by CJI Khehar asked them:  "Why did not you approach Goa Governor?” The apex court did that Governor has full right to call the shots over the formation of government in the state.’

Numbers: Observing that Congress did not approach Governor with majority numbers and claim to the government, the bench said that the numbers determine single largest party.  The court said that Congress did not mention any support of those members in its petition.

Read | SC lashes out at Congress for not approaching Guv, says numbers determine single largest party

No majority: While questioning the Congress party's counsel, the CJI asked that they must be produced any affidavit of MLAs whose support they are enjoying. The CJI said that the Congress party is creating controversy when a single party already has the numbers. The court said that they did not submit any list of members who are supporting Congress party. 

No claim: The court observed that the Congress, before plea in Court, did not make any claim to form the government, neither did they officially object to BJP forming government: “Why the Congress Party did not object to the Governor when Parrikar had staked the claim of government formation? Even, you did not produce any letter of support of those members."

Floor Test: The court suggested BJP to face floor test as soon as possible, against 15 days allowed by Governor earlier. To which BJP replied with a request for at least 1 day to finish formalities. The court then suugested them to face floor test and prove majority maximum by March 16.

The court has allowed BJP to hold oath taking ceremony of Manohar Parrikar as CM on Tuesday, however, they are allowed to undertake any other function until they face floor test. 

BJP was represented by senior lawyer Harish N Salve while senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhavi on behalf of Congress party. 

Live updates | Goa Assembly: Congress alleges horse-trading by BJP, Gadkari says support from non-BJP MLAs was unanimous