AAP vs LG: 'Anarchist' Kejriwal undermining SC and democracy, says BJP

Justice Sikri held that transfers and posting of officers of and above the rank of Joint Secretary are under the powers of lieutenant-governor and other officers are under the control of Delhi Govt

In a setback to the AAP government in Delhi, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court on Thursday gave a split verdict on the contentious issue of who should control administrative services but appeared to agree that the Centre has the final word.

In view of the differences, Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan referred the matter to a larger bench of the apex court.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, whose Aam Aadmi Party has been accusing the Centre of appointing such officers who create hurdles in the works of the AAP government, termed the verdict as "unfortunate" and said it was ironic that a chief minister can't have power to appoint even a peon in his office.

The two judges, who were hearing pleas on six matters pertaining to a long-running conflict between the Narendra Modi government at the Centre and the AAP government in the national capital, gave a unanimous order on the remaining five issues.

Both judges agreed that the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) will have control over the Anti-Corruption Bureau, as already notified by the Centre, and the power to appoint inquiry commissions would also rest with the central government.

On the other hand, the elected Delhi government will have the right to appoint public prosecutors, to decide land revenue matters and also to appoint or deal with electricity commission or board, the bench ruled.

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Meanwhile, Kejriwal also said that Congress has virtually ruled out an alliance with AAP

The Congress has "more or less" ruled out an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday, a day after he had participated in a meeting with opposition leaders, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

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Watch: Kejriwal expresses disappointment over SC verdict

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SC verdict against constitution, democracy; will seek legal remedies, says Kejriwal

Claiming the Supreme Court's verdict is against "Constitution and democracy", Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Thursday said the AAP government will seek legal remedies.

 

He also alleged that the BJP-led central government is creating hurdles in the functioning of the AAP dispensation.

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BJP attacks Kejriwal, says the Delhi CM is undermining democracy and Supreme Court

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This verdict is against the constitution: Kejriwal 

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We will fight for full statehood and betterment of Delhi, says Kejriwal

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The Delhi govt should humbly accept the verdict, says BJP

The Delhi unit of the BJP on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court judgement and said it removes ambiguities in the powers of the Delhi government.

 

There should no scope for "confusion or conflict" and the AAP government should humbly accept the Supreme Court judgement, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta said.

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BJP welcomes SC judgment

AAP govt should humbly accept the Supreme Court judgement, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta said.

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AAP says SC judgment offers no clarity

It was unfortunate that there was no clarity in the Supreme Court judgement, said AAP, according to PTI

People of Delhi will continue to suffer, AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said

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Delhi govt and L-G should work together: SC

SC says that both elected government and Lieutenant Governor should work together in mutual respect for the welfare of people.

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'Electricity, revenue dept to come under Delhi govt'

Electricity department, revenue department, posting and transfer of Grade 3 & Grade 4 officer will come under Delhi government. In case of difference of opinion, L-G's view will prevail, says Lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay 

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Lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay on Delhi govt vs LG matter