POWER TO DELHI L-G

mean a concurrence of the LG or will act as a tool to enable the Delhi government take an informed decision is a crucial question that remains unanswered in the text of the amended Act. It will also need a clarification whether the “opinion” rendered by the LG shall be binding or will only have persuasive value. According to the new law, passed by Parliament on March 24, “government” in Delhi now means the LG.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and other opposition parties have criticised the new law, saying it obstructs the functioning of an elected government.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has termed the passage of the bill an “insult” to the people of the national capital. His deputy Manish Sisodia has also attacked the Centre, alleging that it was feeling insecure as Kejriwal was “emerging as an alternative” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Centre has said that the Act promotes “harmonious relations between the legislature and the executive, and further define the responsibilities of the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor, in line with the constitutional scheme of governance of Delhi, as interpreted by the Supreme Court”.

Union minister of state for home G Kishan Reddy said in Parliament last month that Delhi is not a full-fledged state and does not have full powers.

“Bringing this law was necessary to remove ambiguities because Delhi is a UT and the powers of L-G are different from state governors,” another official said, asking not to be named. On July 4, 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the L-G cannot interfere in every decision of the Delhi government and must act on aid and advice of the council of ministers.