Friday, February 25 2005 17:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Justifying Goa Governor S C Jamir's decision to dismiss the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government, the Pratapsinh Rane-headed Congress Government has told the Supreme Court that legality of the decision of the Governor, taken within his discretionary jurisdiction, could not be questioned.

The affidavit was filed by the Rane Government in response to the Supreme Court's notice to it on February 21 on a petition filed by ousted Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar challenging the legality of the Governor's decision immediately after it had won the motion of confidence in the house under controversial circumstances.

Parrikar's petition has been listed for hearing on Monday (Feb 28, 2005).

The new Government, sworn-in within hours of dismissal of the BJP Government, stated that the Governor was in known of the manner in which the trust vote was passed and was fully justified in dismissing a Government, which though in minority, managed to win through illegal means.

It also detailed the questionable method adopted by the Speaker to disqualify independent MLA Philippe Nery Rodriguez who had switched loyalties. Rodriguez was immediately rewarded with the post of Deputy Chief Minister.

When the petition came up for hearing on February 21, Parrikar had even proposed to the Court to order a composite floor test to determine who enjoyed the majority support in the House - he or Rane.