Supreme Court threatens Tamil Nadu government with dismissal

New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) Enraged over non-compliance of its order banning a shutdown in Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court Monday warned that the state government could be sacked and contempt of court proceedings initiated against Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and the chief secretary.

An apex court bench of acting Chief Justice B.N. Aggarwal and Justice P. Sathasivam said: "If there is no compliance with our order, it is complete breakdown of constitutional machinery. We will then have to direct the (central) government to impose President's rule."

The state's main opposition party AIADMK had approached the court alleging that Sunday's order was not being followed and government buses were not plying across the state.

The judges told the AIADMK lawyer that he could file a contempt of court petition against the state government if he wanted to do so.

The lawyer for the ruling DMK, however, told the Supreme Court that party leaders were on fast and only trade unions could be blamed for the disruption of normal life in the state.