Policy making legislature's domain, deciding on state capital our right: Jagan

Amaravati, March 24:  In a clear indication of his stance on trifurcation of the state capital following the recent setback in the High Court, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday reiterated his commitment to decentralised development.

"Decision on capitals is our right and responsibility while policy making is the domain of legislature," Reddy said during the discussion on legislative competence in the Assembly.

The Chief Minister stated that the courts cannot pre-empt or direct not to make a policy with presumptions and lay down impossible conditions setting timelines which cannot be met.

"The recent verdict of Andhra Pradesh High Court appears to be a trespass into the legislative terrain though our Constitution has laid down the frame work of the three pillars of executive, legislature and judiciary. We felt that the limits were crossed and hence, had taken up the discussion in the House," Reddy stated in the House.

"The laws we are making stand for public scrutiny every five years, which is the very reason why the previous dispensation was rejected and people gave us a thumping mandate with 151 of the 175 seats in the House and courts should not be getting into our domain of making laws and this I am saying with utmost respect towards judiciary and to set the record straight for future generations to come."

Pointing out that it is impossible to implement the High Court verdict which has ordered that Amaravati be developed as the state capital within six months, Reddy said that the government is studying the legalities. He reminded the House that the Supreme Court has told High Courts not to issue orders that cannot be implemented.

"The impossible timeline set by the courts like setting up basic amenities within one month and other infrastructure in the region within six months is impossible. The 29 villages form a minor fraction of the total state. We are exploring legal options on the issue," he said.

Even as he declared his commitment for decentralised development, Reddy assured to safeguard the interests of the famers of the region who gave land for the state capital.