The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed the Aam Aadmi Party government's petition challenging the powers of the Lieutenant Governor in the National Capital Territory. The court stated that AAP government's contention that the LG is bound to act on advice of Council of Ministers is without any substance and cannot be accepted.
The HC has asked the state government to take the approval of LG in all policy matters. "The High Court told AAP government that they will have to take L-G’s approval for anything that they want to do. The L-G remains supreme as far as Delhi is concerned," advocate for the central government Anil Soni said.
In another setback to the Delhi government, the HC said that the AAP government's order to appoint Commission of Inquiry in the CNG fitness scam and DDCA scam is illegal since the same was issued without concurrence of the L-G.
The AAP government's counsel said they will immediately file an appeal against the verdict.
Staying firm on their stand that the verdict is not a setback for the Delhi government, AAP leader Ashutosh said the government will challenge the judgement in the Supreme Court. "Supreme court has the final word in such matters. We believe we will get justice in the apex court. The Narendra Modi government is trying to dislodge the AAP government in Delhi," Ashutosh said.
Reacting to the HC order, Congress said AAP needs to respect the Constitution and should concentrate on the problems plaguing the union territory. "There was a Congress government in Delhi for 15 years and there was no such problem. The AAP government must respect the Constitution of the country," Congress leader Pawan Khera said.
After L-G Dr Najeeb Jung struck down several decisions taken by the Kerjiwal government, AAP had moved a petition before the Delhi High Court challenging his powers.
Unlike other states in India is still a Union Territory (UT) where the LG appointed by the Centre wields enormous powers. State government headed by the Chief Minister has to send most of its files to the LG for the approval.
The appointment of Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) chiefs, appointment of Parliamentary secretaries, etc led to a major showdown between Kejriwal and Najeeb Jung.
Representative Image
Source: News18
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