New Delhi : Chief Minister ArvindKejriwal expressed confidence on Friday that the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Delhi government’s appeal, which challenges the Centre’s Ordinance on bureaucrat control, will favor him. He emphasized that, until the apex court delivers its verdict, no work for the public will be halted.
During the Delhi Legislative Assembly session that began on Wednesday, Kejriwal addressed the members. This was their first meeting following the implementation of the GNCTD (Amendment) Act 2023, which pertains to the control of services in the national capital.
“Today, I assure the citizens of Delhi that not a single task will come to a halt. There might be some delays, but I am optimistic that we will triumph in the Supreme Court. Once we reclaim the rights of Delhi’s residents, our pace will pick up. Until then, no work will be disrupted,” stated the Chief Minister.
On May 11, the Supreme Court emphasized that the separation of administrative authorities between the Central and Delhi government “should be upheld.” The court determined that the Delhi government possesses “legislative and executive authority over services” within the national capital, encompassing bureaucrats, with the exception of matters related to public order, police, and land.
Following that, on May 19, the Centre introduced an Ordinance to establish a body responsible for the transfer and appointment of IAS and DANICS officers in Delhi. Subsequently, this Ordinance was presented as a bill in Parliament. After the LokSabha approved the bill, the RajyaSabha gave its nod on August 7, turning it into law.
While addressing the assembly regarding the new legislation, ArvindKejriwal claimed that the Central government introduced an Ordinance on May 19, effectively bypassing the Supreme Court’s decision. This verdict, which had come in our favor, was achieved after an eight-year-long battle.
“After battling for eight years, we received the Supreme Court’s decision on May 11, 2023. Esteemed judges from the apex court deliberated for three weeks. At the end of those sessions, they declared that since our nation is a democracy, only the elected government should have authority over the bureaucracy, not the Centre or the LG,” remarked Kejriwal.
In a jibe at the BJP, Kejriwal predicted that the party would not secure any of the 7 seats in Delhi during the 2024 LokSabha elections. He stated, “In the 2024 elections, the BJP won’t win any of the 7 seats. The focal issue of these elections will be Delhi’s demand for full statehood.”
