Attorney General of India, Mukul Rohatgi had revealed that he indeed advised the governor that he was free to assume special powers and responsibilities as per Section 8 of the AP Reorganization Act if he wanted to. However he said that his advise to the governor is only a oral discussion and there is no written advice. The AG himself revealed this in a TV interview.
He also confirmed that the Union Home Ministry did not seek any advice from him regarding this issue. The A-G was in abroad when the leaders of Telangana and AP locked horns interpreting the Section 8 and A-G’s special advise on the issue. He returned to India on Saturday evening and is likely to reopen the debate once again.
Section 8 trusts the responsibility of the law and order of Hyderabad to the Governor who will be assisted by two advisers appointed by the Center. The commissioners of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rangareddy should be directly reporting to the Governor in law and order issues. Governor may seek the opinion of Telangana cabinet on crucial issues but final decision making will rest with him.
