The BJP on Thursday accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of “declaring war on the Supreme Court” and said it is considering filing contempt of court proceedings against him.
After Kejriwal slammed the apex court’s split verdict on the contentious issue of division of powers between the Delhi government and the Centre over control of services as “against the constitution and democracy and an injustice to people of Delhi”, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said his remarks were “the biggest attack on the apex court in political history”.
The judgment is a “big defeat” for Mr. Kejriwal, he asserted and demanded an apology from him for criticising the order.
While delivering the verdict, a two-judge bench comprising Justices A.K. Sikri and Ashok Bhushan, however, agreed upon matters pertaining to the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), setting up of commissions of inquiry and land revenue matters among other issues.
BJP spokesperson and Supreme Court lawyer Nalin Kohli said the verdict makes it clear the Kejriwal government was trying to “usurp” the Centre’s powers as it has turned down its plea seeking control over the ACB and posting of senior officials.
Both powers remain with the Lt. Governor, he said.
Addressing a press conference after the verdict, Mr. Kejriwal said, “The judgment is against the constitution and democracy. We will seek legal remedies.”
Mr. Patra said Kejriwal’s language was “appalling”, and also targeted opposition parties, saying that they have maintained silence on the AAP leader’s broadside against the court.
Published - February 14, 2019 10:56 pm IST
