Former chief minister of Jharkhand Arjun Munda on Monday challenged in the Supreme Court Governor Syed Sibtey Razi's decision to appoint Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Shibu Soren as Chief Minister.

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Munda contented that the appointment was 'unconstitutional' and 'without authority of law'.

The court listed the petition for hearing on Wednesday.

Munda, claiming that the National Democratic Alliance had a clear majority in the 81-member state assembly, also urged the court to direct the governor to appoint him as the CM.

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Or else, the petitioner said, the court should direct the governor to hold the assembly session on March 11 to prevent 'horse-trading'.

He also requested the court to appoint a judge as observer to supervise the proceedings in the House on that day to ensure that the process was 'transparent, peaceful, voluntary, without any disturbance or coercion'.

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Munda also urged the court to direct the Jharkhand government not to take coercive police actions against any MLA till the trial of strength in the House.