AAP-Centre tussle: SC verdict favours Delhi government, limits LG's powers
New Delhi, Jul 4 (IBNS): In a major political victory for Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra on Wednesday passed a verdict which favoured the Delhi government over its tussle with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and the Centre, media reports said.
The matter moved to the top court after the AAP-led Delhi government had alleged that Baijal is interfering in their works.
The Supreme Court said the LG can't be an "obstructionist" and is only the "administrative head".
The Supreme Court said: "Powers must be with the elected government. LG is an administrator."
The top court also said that the cabinet must convey all decisions to the LG but his concurrence is not required in all matters.
Reacting to the verdict, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "A big victory for the people of Delhi...a big victory for democracy..."
A big victory for the people of Delhi...a big victory for democracy...
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 4, 2018
Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia told reporters that his party expresses gratitude to the top court.
Kejriwal along with several Delhi ministers had staged a protest outside Baijal's office for nine consecutive days over the IAS officers' alleged reluctance to work for the government.
Months ago, the AAP was embroiled into a controversy after an IAS officer had alleged that he was heckled by few ministers at Kejriwal's residence in presence of the CM.
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