THE CURIOUS CASE OF ARTICLE 167: HOW THE LEGISLATURE IS A PRIVILEGED KID OF THE MEDIA

ABSTRACT Article 167 talks about the Duties of Chief Minister as respects the furnishing of information to Governor as and when it is asked for. Not following the duties shows grounds for breakdown of constitutional machinery in state because the relationship of the chief minister and the governor is that of a husband and wife. The relationship is very sensitive and needs to be nurtured and respected to ensure the smooth functioning of the legislature and executive. The case of Arunachal Pradesh is one of the few exceptions where the relation didn't work as the government of that Arunachal Pradesh was not responding to the Governor’s letters on issues of public importance. This was taken as an opportunity by the People's Party of Arunachal leader Kalikho Pul who decided to use the media to its own advantage and try to overthrow the congress government albeit unsuccessfully. He made sure that an air of dissatisfaction was dispersed through the media which just created pressure on the governor to pass certain orders which had disastrous results.