New Delhi: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said in a press conference that LG tried to forcibly prevent the Delhi government from presenting its views before the Supreme Court. He said that this amounts to interference in the administration of justice.
He also accused LG of criminal contempt of court adding 'how can Delhi work with an LG like this?'
He alleged that LG forced Delhi government to appoint Tushar Mehta as its lawyer in the top court so that he represents both parties at the same time.
"Isn’t this interference in administration of justice? Isn’t this a criminal act?" Kejriwal questioned adding that LG Saxena tried to influence the case in the court.
Kejriwal said that despite the Delhi government asking to appoint Gautam Narayan as its lawyer, the LG deliberately appointed Tushar Meha Delhi government's lawyers in a bid to be able to influence the case in the court. The CM also alleged that the LG asked officers to defend all the 'wrong works'.
Earlier in the day, Kejriwal tweeted that he has recommended MCD Mayor elections be held on 22 February after the SC in its verdict asked LG Saxena to announce within 24 hours the date of the polls to elect the Mayor.
In a major relief for the ruling AAP in its tussle with the Delhi L-G, the Supreme Court on Friday ruled that members nominated by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) could not vote in the polls to elect the Mayor of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The Supreme Court also ordered the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi Vinai Kumar Saxena to announce within 24 hours the date of the polls to elect the Mayor.
The top court also held that nominated members cannot vote, neither in the elections for Deputy Mayor nor for the standing committees. Also, the election of the Mayor has to precede the election of the Deputy Mayor, Bar and Bench reported.
Reacting to the order, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said the Supreme Court verdict on MCD mayoral polls was a "victory of democracy". Kejriwal, whose ruling AAP has been involved in a tussle with BJP over the mayoral polls for over two months, also attacked Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena for passing "illegal, unconstitutional orders".
"The Supreme Court's mandate is a victory of democracy, many thanks to the apex court. After two and a half months, Delhi will now get a mayor," Kejriwal tweeted.
"The SC ruling on mayoral polls proves how LG and BJP have passed illegal and unconstitutional orders in Delhi every day," the Delhi CM further said.