Caravan News
NEW DELHI — The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday ruled in favour of the Aam Aadmi Party led-Delhi government and said that the Lieutenant Governor is bound to act on the aid and advice by its Council of Ministers.
The Supreme Court has delivered a unanimous verdict with all five judges — Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, AK Sikri, AM Khanwilkar, D Chandrachud and A Bhushan — said the decisions taken by the elected state government of Delhi has to be respected and the Lieutenant Governor should act as per the aide and advise of the state government.
The LG is also bound to send files to the President in case of differences of opinion, in exceptional matters.
The court said the LG has not been inferred with independent decision-making powers. He cannot act as an “obstructionist”, reports IANS.
Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party had filed a plea challenging the Delhi High Court’s ruling that the Lieutenant Governor is the administrative head of the National Captial. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal along with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and others, undertook a sit-in strike at Raj Niwas, the office-cum-residence of the Delhi Lieutenant Governor on the matter.
The apex court while delivering judgement said that the LG and the Delhi government have to work harmoniously.
The LG must realise that it is the Council of Ministers, who are answerable to the people and he cannot stall every decision of the National Capital Territory (NCT) government, the bench said.
Following the verdict, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted,” A big victory for the people of Delhi…a big victory for democracy…”
✔@ArvindKejriwal
Manish Sisodia,Delhi Deputy Chief Minister welcomed the SC verdict and said:
“Its a landmark judgement by Supreme Court. Now Delhi Govt will not have to send their files to LG for approval, now work will not be stalled. I thank the SC, its a big win for democracy,” ANI reported.
