SC rules that Delhi LG can appoint MCD aldermen without AAP government’s consent, citing the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act.
The Supreme Court has ruled that Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena correctly appointed 10 aldermen to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi without consulting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. It interpreted the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act to say that it is within the power of Governor/L-G when there are vacancies in MCD, he may nominate members on his own. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud emphasised that this was a power specifically entrusted to the LG and not any “semantic lottery.” In this case, The AAP government said the L-G will have to heed advice of Council of Ministers or refer issues/disputes/matters on which there is a difference between and himself to President. It took 15 months for the hearing to be heard.
