Big Win For Kejriwal as SC Says Delhi Govt Has Control Over Services Excluding Land, Police & Law

NEW DELHI: The five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favour of the Delhi government in a case between the state government and Centre in connection with ‘control of services’ in the national capital. It said the elected government in the national capital must have control over bureaucrats in the administration of services except in areas outside the legislative powers of NCT.

A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said the L-G is bound by the aid and advice of the NCT government except the matters relating to land, public order & police.

The Apex Court mentioned the principle of democracy and federalism form a part of the basic structure and federalism ensures the survival of diverse interests and accommodates diverse needs.

He announced that soon, there would be transfers to remove corrupt officers and bring in honest, hard-working officers. “Our work will now resume at 10 times the speed,” Mr Kejriwal said, promising a “lean, thin, responsive, passionate and accountable” government.

Disagreeing that the Delhi government had no power over services, the judges said only Public Order, Police and Land are excluded from its jurisdiction.

“This is a historic victory for Delhi. We have been fighting for eight years. They (Centre) stalled all our work deliberately using their appointees. Both my hands were tied and I was pushed into the river, but I kept swimming, by grace of God,said AAP Supremo Kejriwal addressing the press following the verdict.

Raghav Chaddha also hailed the decision by the apex court. “Satyamev Jayate. Delhi wins. Hon’ble Supreme Court’s landmark judgment sends a stern message that officers working with the government of Delhi are meant to serve (the) people of Delhi through the elected government and not unelected usurpers parachuted by Centre to stall governance, he said.”