A day after the High Court ruled that the Lieutenant-Governor is the administrative head of Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders said that now the people should approach L-G Najeeb Jung if they have any problems with civic amenities as powers have now been vested in his hands.
The party also attacked Mr. Jung over alleged inaction in the CNG fitness scam, irregularities in the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) and an FIR filed against Reliance.
“From today (Friday) onwards, I urge people that if they have any civic amenities issue related to power and water then they should go to the L-G because after the HC judgement all powers lie with him now,” AAP leader Ashutosh said.
Reiterating deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s statement, Mr Ashutosh questioned what the role would be of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his Cabinet and the elected representatives in such a scenario.
“We hope to get justice in the Supreme Court the way it gave in the case of Arunachal Pradesh,” Mr. Ashutosh said.
Calling Mr. Jung a “guardian of scam and scamsters”, the AAP leader asked how many times Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was summoned in connection with the alleged irregularities in the DDCA.
“Since Mr. Jung is the head of Delhi and also the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), we want to know what action has been taken in the CNG fitness scam. What is the status of the FIR? We want to know what action has been taken against Mr Jaitley. How many times has been summoned?” Mr. Ashutosh said.
‘SDM order valid’A day after the Delhi Police asked the Civil Lines Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to withdraw his order banning public meetings and protest outside or near the CM’s residence, the AAP government on Friday sought a legal opinion from its Law Department.
The party argued that an SDM has the power to issue such order under the CrPC. A government official said that a Ministry of Home Affairs 1978 notification gave Delhi Police the power to issue prohibitory order but the SDM also enjoys concurrent power under Section 144 of the CrPC.
“In 1978, the Centre had given power to the Delhi Police to issue prohibitory order but no order was subsequently issued to prevent SDM from doing so,” a government spokesperson said.
