Appointment Of Deputy Chief Minister Not Unconstitutional: Supreme Court

The appointment of a Deputy Chief Minister in a state is not unconstitutional, the Supreme Court said on Monday while rejecting a petition.

The practice of appointing a Deputy Chief Minister is adopted in many states to give slightly more importance to senior leaders in the party or coalition of parties in power, said a bench led by Chief JusticeChief JusticeChief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.

"Even if you call someone Deputy Chief Minister, it is still a reference to a minister. A Deputy Chief Minister is the first and most important minister in the state government. It does not violate the Constitution," Chief Justice Chandrachud said during the hearing.