'Have Power To Extend Tenure Of Chief Secretaries': Centre Tells SC On Naresh Kumar's Extension

The Centre told Supreme Court that it has the power to extend the tenure of chief secretaries.

Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar

The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that it has the power to extend the tenure of Chief Secretary for six months as it intends to do the same for current Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar. The Centre filed its response after the apex court on Tuesday asked the Centre to demonstrate the authority it holds to extend the term. 

Representing the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, "Delhi is the capital of the nation and the central government is of the view that Naresh Kumar, who is scheduled to retire on November 30, should continue for six months," according to ANI. 

"Rules do not permit more than six months," he added. 

Extension of Delhi's incumbent Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar: Central government tells Supreme Court that it has the power to extend the tenure of Chief Secretary for six months. There are 57 instances of extension of tenure of Chief Secretaries.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta,…

— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2023

The top court is hearing a plea filed by Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government, challening the decision by Centre to extend the tenure of Naresh Kumar or appoint a new official without consulting it.

In a previous hearing, the bench hearing the matter, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud,instructed the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and the Centre to propose a panel of names for the Chief Secretary post, from which the Delhi government could make a selection. The Centre was directed to provide the shortlisted candidates' names to the court by Tuesday (November 28).

The bench also said that Delhi LG VK Saxena and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to hold discussions to amicably agree on names for the post.

"Give us a workable solution. The government should work without the need to go to court. Give us a way out," said the Chief Justice.