The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking the removal of Cabinet ministers with criminal background. A Constitution bench left the decision on appointment of Ministers to the Prime Minister's wisdom. Saying it cannot pass directions for disqualification of Ministers facing criminal and corruption charges, the Bench said, Prime Minister and Chief Ministers should not include people with criminal antecedents in their cabinet.
The Court said, those in conflict with law and involved in offences of moral turpitude and corruption should not be allowed to discharge duty as ministers. It said, constitution reposes immense trust in Prime Minister and Chief Ministers and they are expected to act with responsibility and with constitutional morality.
The Centre had argued that removing ministers is against the Constitutional prerogative of Parliament and the will of the people. It had said once a person is an MP, he is entitled to be in the council of ministers, if the Prime Minister decides.