THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Governor has obtained legal advice regarding the reinstatement of Saji Cherian, who resigned for his unconstitutional speech. The legal advice said the swearing in cannot be stopped but the governor can seek clarification as there is a case of contempt of the constitution.

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan sought legal advice after assessing the situation of the cabinet berth lying vacant and the present court proceedings. As a first step, it was decided to take legal advice from the Governor's legal advisor and if necessary, from senior lawyers who are constitutional experts.

In his second term as minister, Saji Cherian's threat will be his own tongue. Saji, who tried to stick on with the question on why he should resign despite insulting the constitution, resigned from the ministerial position as he had no other way.

Saji grew up to be one of the strong leaders of Alappuzha and quite often his tongue was his own threat. He had a narrow escape every time. During the floods of 2018, he had stated that thousands would die if helicopters were not sent, and this had tainted the glory of government's rescue mission. Just before the last assembly elections, he in a Facebook post had asked politicians to retire at the age of 55.

Granting Rs 4.10 lakh to construct a toilet in his office while serving as the minister had stoked a controversy. His office was in the first annexe of the secretariat.