THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the Opposition tried its level best in the Assembly to ignite the row over the High Court Judge’s snide remarks against the AG’s office the other day, a determined Chandy stood his ground and asserted with ease that he will not be cowed down by such arm-twisting.
Right from Wednesday, when the remarks of Justice Alexander Thomas putting him, the AG’s office and the fraternity of government pleaders in the HC in bad light were out, the Chief Minister had countered it with unusual vigour. It was in the same vein that he hit back in the House when the Opposition raised charges lapping up the comments of Justice Alexander Thomas, on a notice for an adjournment motion.
He reiterated that he has every right to criticise the Attorney General and would continue to do so,if the AG stands in the way of the state’s interests.“The state government’s liquor policy follows the Directive Principles enshrined in the Constitution,to bring down the availability of liquor. In a federal system, the state has every right to frame such a policy. If the Attorney General is opposing it through his appearance for bar owners,it is morally and legally wrong”, Chandy scored his point,in reply to the judge who had taken umbrage over criticising the Attorney General.For a change, Chandy displayed a philosophical streak also, apparently reminding the judge that ‘none occupies a position by birth’. “One should not forget the dignity and responsibility of the position one adorns.
Only then, they will earn the recognition and protection of the office”, he reminded.
That Chandy was too much offended and not ready to leave the judge scot-free was very clear, albeit utilising the cover provided for any statement made in the Assembly, when he came up with a few biased and pre- motivated remarks passed by the judge in the news in the open court, in an alleged case of drunken driving which was later framed into rash and negligent driving.
The Chief Minister was not ready to disown Advocate General K P Dandapani and his team and reposed faith with an assertion that the state has not lost any cases as alleged by some quarters,thereby giving a clear message to all.