Delhi, Centre's Fight For Control Of Bureaucrats Goes To Supreme Court Again

The Centre has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking review of its verdict granting the Delhi government control over transfers and appointments of bureaucrats in the national capital. The development comes a day after Centre brought in a special law, making Delhi Lt Governor, who is the Centre's representative, the final arbiter in the matter.

The Arvind Kejriwal government, meanwhile, has decided to approach the Supreme Court challenging the ordinance passed by the Centre. Abhishek Singhvi, who is the Delhi government's counsel in the services matter, told NDTV that the Delhi government will challenge the new ordinance in the top court.

Days after the 5-judge bench passed the verdict in favour of the Delhi government, the Centre, through an ordinance on Friday, created National Capital Civil Services Authority to decide on postings and transfers. The authority will include Chief Minister, who shall be the Chairperson of the Authority, the Chief Secretary and the Principal Home Secretary.

All matters required to be decided by the Authority shall be decided by majority of votes of the members present and voting. In case of a difference of opinion, the decision of the Lt Governor is final.

The ordinance will have to be passed in both the houses of parliament. The BJP is short on numbers in the Rajya Sabha, where opposition parties could get together on the issue.

The ordinance is in complete disregard to the Supreme Court order, the ruling-Aam Aadmi party alleged.