New Delhi: The Supreme Court is all set to pronounce its verdict on who holds the administrative power of Delhi and governs the national capital – Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal or Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal. This crucial verdict will bring the prolonged tussle between the state government and the Centre to rest. The matter has been listed for judgment before the Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra. The verdict will be announced at 10:30 am today as the national capital continues to witness the constant scuffle between the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

Here's all you need to know about AAP's Arvind Kejriwal and his battle with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal:

• In August 2016, Delhi High Court had ruled that the decisions in Delhi can be taken only after being approved by the Lieutenant Governor, who functions as the Centre’s representative in the Union Territory.
• Delhi government under Aam Admi party had then approached the Supreme Court challenging the high court’s verdict.

AAP's argument

• The AAP government had argued before the apex court bench that it possessed both the legislative and executive powers.
• AAP dispensation had said that the chief minister and the council of ministers had the legislative power to make laws as well as the executive authority to enforce the enacted statutes.
• The AAP government had argued that the LG has been taking many executive decisions and a "harmonious interpretation" of Article 239AA of the Constitution was needed to fulfill the constitutional mandate for a democratically-elected Delhi government. The article deals with power and status of Delhi.

Centre's take

• The Centre had contended before the bench that Delhi government cannot have the "exclusive" executive powers as it would be against national interests and referred to the 1989 Balakrishnan committee report that had dealt with the reasons for not granting the status of a state to Delhi.
• It had also argued that several "illegal" notifications were issued by the Delhi government and they were challenged in the high court.
• The Centre had referred to the Constitution, the 1991 Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act and the Transaction of Business of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Rules to drive home the point that the President, the union government and the LG had supremacy over city dispensation in administering the national capital.

AAP's counter

• On the other hand, the Delhi government had accused the LG of making a "mockery of democracy", saying he was either taking decisions of an elected government or substituting them without having any power.

(With inputs from PTI)