In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has addressed and dismissed a petition challenging the constitutional validity of the Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) post, asserting that the role, while not explicitly mentioned in the constitution, does not violate any constitutional provisions.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud led the bench, stating that although the constitution does not explicitly outline the Deputy Chief Minister’s position, it is not illegal for a leader of the ruling or prominent party to hold such a post. The decision emphasizes that designating a leader as Deputy Chief Minister is a symbolic gesture of respect and does not infringe upon constitutional principles.
The bench underlined that the tradition of appointing Deputy Chief Ministers persists in various states, reflecting the respect parties accord to their senior leaders. It further clarified that the Deputy Chief Minister, being an MLA and a Minister, actively participates in Cabinet meetings alongside other ministers under the leadership of the Chief Minister.
The petitioner’s counsel argued against the practice, claiming that several states have incorrectly adopted this tradition, and the absence of a Deputy Chief Minister post in the constitution renders such appointments erroneous and contrary to the equality principle among ministers.
In response, the bench clarified that Deputy Chief Ministers are essentially ministers, and their appointments do not violate any constitutional rules, as the role is held by an MLA who is a minister. The court’s decision reinforces the legitimacy of the Deputy Chief Minister post in the Indian political landscape.
