Democratic governance of Delhi favours LG`s nod; SC gives big Setback to Arvind Kejriwal

NewsBharati    03-Nov-2017
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New Delhi, November 3: In a setback for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal the apex court on Thursday ruled that the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi is pre-eminent by constitution over the state government.

The Supreme Court in its observation stated that the entire scheme of the democratic governance of Delhi is in Lt Governor's favour. The court indicated that the Lieutenant Governor did appear to have the last word according to the constitution and the elected government would have to operate within this framework. 

The court however said, the city's administrative head also cannot sit on files beyond a reasonable period. The observations came on a petition by the AAP government against a court verdict that held the Lieutenant Governor was the national capital's boss.

The five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, and consisting of Justices A K Sikri, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan said, law is very clear at present that LG partially enjoys delegated powers of President and partially he has to work in aid and advice of council of ministers.

This comes as a huge blow to the AAP-led Delhi government which has many differences with Anil Baijal. The matter will next be heard on 7th November.

The Delhi government is seeking a judicial declaration on the boundaries of the constitutional relationship between the Delhi government and the Centre, in administering the national Capital.