The Delhi government's argument for administrative power will now be heard in the Supreme Court on Friday, the apex court said on Monday. The announcement comes after the Delhi High Court said power rests with the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) and the chief minister's orders to probe irregularities in two instances were illegal.
The Arvind Kejriwal-led government has been struggling since it assumed office to establish that the government, and not the L-G, holds the reigns of the city. It has also been demanding full statehood for Delhi.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government went to the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court's ruling last month that rested power in the hands of the L-G, which indirectly gives the Centre the power over Delhi.
Najeeb Jung, the L-G of Delhi, overturned many government rulings after the Delhi High Court ruling in August 2016.
The government had initiated probe into the functioning of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) and the CNG fitness scam. Both were dubbed "illegal" as they did not have the permission of the L-G. In addition to that, the appointment of nominee directors to the three power distribution companies, directions to electricity regulator DERC to pay compensation for disruption of power supply and revision of circle rates and stamp duty were also overturned.
Currently, land distribution and police answer to the Centre through the L-G. Kejriwal has repeatedly blamed the Narendra Modi government of interfering in Delhi's administration. Many AAP leaders have also been booked under various cases from rape to corruption. Kejriwal had said that the AAP leaders were being targeted by the Centre.
It is a battle between the selected and the elected... We respect the decision of the Delhi High Court and I understand that the court arrived at its decision after examining various aspects of the matter. But we disagree with the view of the court. We will be moving the Supreme Court," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia earlier said.
