August 14: Union Law Minister Ramakant Khalap today termed as ``very unfortunate'' the observations by the judges of Patna high court suggesting that Bihar presented a fit case for President's rule and stressed that courts should not overstep their jurisdiction.

``The courts should refrain from making comments regarding matters that are in the realm of politics. Imposition of Central rule (under Article 356 of the constitution) is a political decision,'' he said.

``They (the courts) can only judge the validity of such the decision,'' the Law Minister said.

The remarks of the Patna high court on Tuesday that there was a collapse of administrative machinery that warranted imposition of President's rule in the state had caused a furore in Parliament.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.