LG REFUSING TO LET GO OF SERVICES: KEJRI

The stand-off between Delhi’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the lieutenant governor (LG) continued for the second day after a Supreme Court order on Wednesday defining the roles of the two, with the former alleging that the central government was asking the LG not to follow the court’s orders.

The comments came after a meeting between chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and LG Anil Baijal on Friday during which the latter refused to give control of the services department to the elected government, saying the issue of who has powers to decide postings and transfers of officials is still pending before the SC.

Kejriwal said the refusal to obey SC’s order would lead to “anarchy” in the country and blamed the central government for advising the LG not to follow the court order.

The CM later sought time from Union home minister Rajnath Singh, saying he would urge him to follow the SC orders, which he said gave the elected government control over all administrative matters except police, public order and land.

A home ministry official said on condition of anonymity that there is “no way the government will not adhere to the apex court’s directions” but added that the court “was silent on the issue of transfers.” “The rest of the issues, whatever they may be, will be resolved cordially,” this person added.

The ruling of the apex court’s Constitution bench did not specifically rule on the contentious “services” issue. This will be decided by a two-judge bench of the court that is looking at the various issues being disputed by the central government and the government of Delhi.