Aam Aadmi Party government maintains that it has little say in the national capital's governance.
In a major setback to Aam Aadmi Party administration in Delhi, the Supreme Court today ruled that the centre controls the anti-corruption bureau and not the Delhi government. The top court has given its verdict on on petitions seeking clarity the powers of the Delhi government and the Lieutenant Governor. The two judges are divided over transfers, said Justice AK Sikri.
Lawyers representing the Aam Aadmi Party administration had told the court that ambiguities remained in dealing with administrative matters of the national capital in spite of the previous judgment delivered by a five-judge constitution bench headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra.
On November 1, a bench of Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan had concluded hearing petitions challenging notifications issued by the Arvind Kejriwal government in the wake of the top court verdict.
Today's judgment is expected to put to rest a long-raging battle over jurisdiction between Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the centre-appointed Lieutenant Governor.
Here are the Highlights on Supreme Court's order on Delhi-Centre power tussle:
On Sheila Dikshit's comments on his performance:
I appeal to Sheila Dikshit not to make such comments. We don't even have 10% of the power that her government had. Didn't she have the power to transfer officers? Didn't she have ACB? Still, we have done more work than her: Arvind Kejriwal
If the Delhi CM and ministers have to hold protest at L-G's house, then how will we work. May appeal to the residents is not to see the election only to elect PM. Please give us all 7 seats in the Lok Sabha election, so that we can have a larger say: Arvind Kejriwal
"Manish Sisodia's work as education minister has been praised all over the world. But Satyendra Jain's work on Mohalla clinics is being hampered," Mr Kejriwal said.
"Residents of Delhi have helped us win 67 of 70 seats. Those with 67 seats don't even have power to transfer the officers, but those with 3 seats (BJP) do," the chief minister added.
"Today, the Supreme Court said we are not allowed to transfer ministers. If we cant transfer non-performing officials, then how can we work?," Arvind Kejriwal said.
AAP said the decision of the Supreme Court is "unfortunate". "The Delhi government completed four years today. Since it was formed, the Centre has been creating hurdles in the works of Delhi government. We were hoping that after four years, the SC will give a clear decision in the case," party spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said.
"But the news we are getting is that no clear decision has been made. Now, the matter is being referred to a bigger bench. It is very unfortunate," he said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will hold a press conference at 1 pm.
Meanwhile, AAP is not taking the verdict lying down on Twitter.
Rahul Mehra, who is representing the Delhi government, said that the order was a "setback" to the people of Delhi, and not the government. "I don't think it is a setback for Delhi government, it is a setback for people of Delhi, a more clear verdict should have been pronounced. We will continue to fight the legal battle; Delhi government will continue to fight its own battle," he said.
Justice Bhushan says he only disagrees on Services issue.
Now, Justice Bhushan is reading out his judgement
What Justice Sikri said:Centre has power to appoint inquiry commission
Delhi government has power power over agricultural land
Delhi has power to appoint Govt advocates
Delhi Govt has power to appoint Director in electricity department
Justice Sikri says there is a difference of opinion on certain aspects between the two judges on the Bench.
On transfer of bureaucrats, Justice Sikri holds that certain grade officers will fall under LG while others will fall under NCT of Delhi.
Justice AK Sikri says there is difference of opinion on services issue
Supreme Court Bench of Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan have arrived. Pronouncement of judgment commences.
Today's judgment is expected to put to rest a long-raging battle over jurisdiction between Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the centre-appointed Lieutenant Governor.
On November 1, a bench of Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan had concluded hearing petitions challenging notifications issued by the Arvind Kejriwal government in the wake of the top court verdict.
Lawyers representing the Aam Aadmi Party administration had told the court that ambiguities remained in dealing with administrative matters of the national capital in spite of the previous judgment delivered by a five-judge constitution bench headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra.