National

`President has powers to counsel PM on Gujarat'

NEW DELHI APRIL 7. Terming the situation in Gujarat grave and of severe magnitude, the former Chief Justice of India, A.M. Ahmadi, said the President had the powers to ``counsel'' Prime Minister in dealing with the situation especially after the indictment of the State Government by the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Minorities.

``Under Article 356, the President can act on a report by the Governor or at the advice of the Council of Ministers but in case none of them come, then at times he can counsel the Prime Minister about the right things,'' Mr. Ahmadi said in a panel discussion moderated by Karan Thapar and to be telecast tomorrow night on SAB TV.

Noting that the President had some Constitutional limitations, Mr. Ahmadi said, "he, however, can at times bring to notice of the Prime Minister the reports other than those received from the State machinery or the Governor.''

Referring to the constitutional duty of the Governor, he said since their appointments were influenced by political parties, it was possible that this Constitutional body would take the line followed by the party in power.

Other panelists were the former Chief Election Commissioner, M.S. Gill, and Country Director of Action Aid India and a former IAS officer, Harsh Mander, who resigned from the civil service on Friday.

PTI

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