Governor gives permission; Saji Cherian to be sworn in as minister at 4 pm tomorrow

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has given approval for the swearing-in of Saji Cherian as a minister. The Governor after returning to Thiruvananthapuram yesterday, said that he would look into the details of the case of Saji Cherian's speech disrespecting the constitution, the concerns remained at the government level but things had changed now. Saji Cherian will most probably be sworn in at 4 pm as fixed earlier.

The legal advice the governor obtained said that there was no urgent situation to make him sworn in and the governor can decide on his swearing-in after fully convinced that the court has completely acquitted Saji Cherian of the charges.

The Governor was not ready to inform his decision despite pressure from the chief secretary and public administration assistant chief secretary yesterday. The governor did not open his mind despite the direct request of K R Jyothilal, additional chief secretary, public administration, to announce the decision as time is needed to print the invitation letter, invite guests and make arrangements. Kerala Kaumudi had mentioned in its editorial today the uncertainty in the swearing-in.

After repeated requests by public administration secretary, public works department was given permission to set up a small pandal on one side of the Raj Bhavan. The pandal is being erected for police, band members and CCTV facility for guests to watch the function.

The Governor had told the media yesterday that the chief minister's recommendation to make Saji take the oath as a minister is usually accepted but this is an unusual situation. Saji Cherian had to resign from the ministerial position because the chief minister was also aware of the serious charge of dishonoring the constitution. It should be examined in detail whether that situation has changed. This is not a normal reinstatement act. The governor said that he has neither seen the chief minister's recommendation nor the legal advice. The Governor's response was that seeking legal advice was a normal course of action.

No order received, says Saji Cherian
Saji Cherian said that he has not obtained any order from the side of the Government in connection with the swearing-in. He said that as he has not obtained any order, has not thought of going to the capital city. Resigned on moral grounds. He said that he has not done anything illegal or unconstitutional and is firm on that.