It's Become Centre Vs SC Now, Will Challenge Ordinance As Soon As Court Opens: Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal held a press conference and came down heavily on the Centre for bringing the ordinance giving back the LG control over the services days after Supreme Court's order

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal holds press conference

Source : Twitter/@ArvindKejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday targeted the Centre over its ordinance that gave control of services back to Delhi Lieutenant Governor saying that his government will move the Supreme Court over the issue and that it is a fight between the apex court and the Central government now. Addressing a press conference, the Delhi CM termed the ordinance "unconstitutional" and "against democracy". He also targeted the Centre over the timing of bringing the ordinance, which he called 'illegal", as summer vacaation begins in apex court, and added that his government will challenge it on July 1.

On Friday, the Centre brought an ordinance to create a National Capital Civil Service Authority that will have the power to recommend the transfer and posting of all Group A officers and officers of DANICS serving in Delhi.

"They were waiting for the Supreme Court to be closed for summer vacations. They waited because they know this ordinance is illegal. They know it will not stand in the court for 5 minutes. When SC opens on July 1, we will challenge it," Kejriwal said. 

He also alleged that the ordinance brought to "overturn" SC verdict is a "direct contempt" of apex court, adding the Centre "wants to obstruct AAP government's work." 

Kejriwal said he will meet with leaders of the parties to ensure that the bill is not passed by Rajya Sabha. 

The oridnance came after a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on May 11 held that the Delhi government has “legislative and executive power over services” in the national capital.   

The Centre on Friday brought an ordinance making the Lieutenant Governor the final arbiter in the matter. A 'National Capital Service Authority' has been established through an ordinance to make recommendations to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor regarding matters concerning transfer posting, vigilance, and other incidental matters.

The Centre has also moved the apex court over the issue seeking a review of its May 11 judgment .