Kejriwal seeks time to meet LG Baijal over implementation of SC's order

Kejriwal tweeted to say, "Sought time to meet Hon’ble LG today to seek his support and cooperation in the implementation of the order of Hon’ble SC and in the development of Delhi"

The verdict was passed by a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra on Wednesday.

The matter moved to the top court after the Aam Aadmi Party (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.

However, a day after the verdict, bureaucrats rejected an order issued by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on the ground that it is "legally incorrect", leading to a fresh row in Delhi.

The latest instance of bureaucrats refusing to carry out government order prompted the ruling AAP to threaten to go to court again indicating a lingering battle between the political executive and the bureaucracy, which allegedly has often worked under the direct command of the Lt Governor, a representative of the Centre rather than an elected government.

Sisodia issued an order withdrawing all powers of transfer and posting of IAS officers and other employees from the Lieutenant Governor, the chief secretary and heads of departments.

The file was sent back the same evening with a detailed note that called Sisodia's order legally untenable.

“The services department had come under the L-G after a home ministry notification issued in May 2015. But the notification addressed to the President, has not been set aside by the Supreme Court,” a government official has been quoted by media.

Image: twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal