Obama's appointments draw court flak

A US court has dealt a blow to US President Barack Obama early into his second term, ruling that he violated the American constitution by making “recess” appointments bypassing the Senate confirmation process.

In its ruling the federal appeals court said Obama violated the US Constitution when he installed three officials on the National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) a year ago.

The court ruled that allowing the President to make such appointments as a way around Senate opposition “would wholly defeat the purpose of the Framers in the careful separation of powers structure” they created. The ruling by the federal appeals court on Friday  is considered to be a blow to Obama, who started his second four-year term just days ago.

The White House, however, said it disagrees with the decision of the court.