Rise above political bickering: SC to Delhi government, L-G
The Supreme Court on Monday told the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government and Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) VK Saxena to rise above disputes and reach a consensus to appoint a chairperson of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC). The top court asked both of them to sit together and decide on a candidate. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for Thursday.
Why does this story matter?
The ongoing tug-of-war between the Delhi government and the Centre over power-sharing escalated in May after the SC ruled unanimously in favor of the Delhi government, restating the latter's control over Delhi's bureaucracy. To allegedly bypass the SC verdict, the Centre brought an ordinance days later seeking to control Delhi's services, saying that it will check the AAP's corruption.
What the case is about
Last month, the Centre appointed former Allahabad High Court judge Umesh Kumar as the DERC's chairman. The AAP government challenged the decision, calling it unlawful, and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre of deliberately disregarding its recommendation, Rajasthan High Court judge Sangeet Raj Lodha.
Bill in Parliament soon to replace ordinance
The Delhi government's counsel senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the court that the DERC was "headless." "We want both of you to sit together and resolve this," the SC responded. Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Saxena, agreed with the court's suggestion. Meanwhile, Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta informed the court that a bill will be introduced in Parliament's Monsoon Session to replace the ordinance.
SC clubbed hearing of pleas regarding DERC and ordinance
On July 4, the SC allowed the Delhi government not to proceed with Kumar's appointment. Last week, the SC said it would hear the Delhi government's petition against the DERC chairperson's appointment and its challenge to the Centre's ordinance together on Monday. The ordinance aims to constitute a new statutory body for "transfer posting, vigilance, and other incidental matters" related to Delhi's bureaucracy.
