Today(on 26th April)The Supreme Court is set to review Delhi government’s plea against a central law regarding services. This move reflects ongoing tensions between Delhi and central authorities over jurisdiction.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has indicated its willingness to review the Delhi government’s challenge against a central government law that enhances the authority of the lieutenant governor over the elected government in terms of managing administrative services in the capital.
During a session today(on 26th April), the bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and including Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, responded to an appeal made by senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi.
Representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Singhvi emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating-
“the whole administration has come to a standstill and the matter needed to be heard.”
This statement highlights the significant repercussions of the legislative changes on the operations of the Delhi government.
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Chief Justice Chandrachud acknowledged the importance of the plea but noted the court’s current preoccupation with another legal issue.
He mentioned-
“At the moment, there is an ongoing matter being handled by a nine-judge bench, and he will take into account the submission.”
The ongoing case, which is also presided over by Chief Justice Chandrachud, involves determining whether private properties should be regarded as “material resources of the community” under Article 39(b) of the Constitution.
Article 39(b) of the Constitution-
The ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to subserve the common good.
Previously, the Supreme Court had elevated the Delhi government’s petition to a five-judge Constitution bench. This decision came in response to the central government’s ordinance on May 19 of the preceding year, which transferred control of services away from the city administration, reigniting tensions between the Delhi government and central authorities. The ordinance, later solidified into law, prolonged the debate over jurisdiction and governance within the national capital.
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