Several BJP MLAs have petitioned the Delhi High Court to direct the Delhi government to send 12 pending CAG reports on liquor duty, pollution, and finance to the Lieutenant Governor for tabling in the Assembly. They argue that withholding these reports undermines democratic oversight and transparency, preventing necessary scrutiny of the government’s financial practices and accountability.
New Delhi: Several BJP MLAs have approached the Delhi High Court, urging it to direct the Delhi government to submit 12 pending Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports on crucial issues—such as liquor duty, pollution, and finance—to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) for tabling before the Delhi Assembly.
“This deliberate suppression of vital information not only violates democratic principles but also prevents proper scrutiny of government action and expenditures,”
the plea highlights, raising concerns about the Delhi government’s transparency and accountability.
The petition was filed by Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta and BJP MLAs Mohan Singh Bisht, Om Prakash Sharma, Ajay Kumar Mahawar, Abhay Verma, Anil Kumar Bajpai, and Jitendra Mahajan. The CAG reports in question cover fiscal years from 2017-2018 to 2021-2022 and are reportedly held by Delhi’s Chief Minister Atishi, who also manages the finance portfolio.
According to the petition,
“despite the LG’s repeated requests and constitutional obligation, these reports were not sent to the LG and consequently, could not be tabled in the Delhi Legislative Assembly.”
This, they argue, limits the Assembly’s ability to review government spending, which is a critical aspect of public oversight and governance.
The BJP legislators claim they have approached Chief Minister Atishi, the Chief Secretary, and the Speaker on the matter but have yet to receive a response. In addition to legal action, they have protested outside the Chief Minister’s residence, seeking transparency on these reports.
Filed by advocates Neeraj and Satya Ranjan Swain, the petition is expected to be presented on Monday before a bench led by Chief Justice Manmohan. The plea seeks
“an appropriate writ in the nature of mandamus/certiorari directing the respondent no.2 (Department of Finance) to send a proposal to respondent no.4 (LG) for exercising his duties under Article 151(2) of the Constitution of India, 1950,”
among other provisions.
The petition names the Delhi government, Assembly Speaker, LG, CAG, and Accountant General (Audit) as respondents, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the alleged lapse. BJP MLAs believe that withholding these reports obstructs democratic governance, hindering an effective examination of the Delhi government’s policies and financial practices.
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