Centre insulted SC, will challenge Delhi ordinance, says Arvind Kejriwal

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, May 20, 2023: The showdown over the Centre’s new ordinance diluting the powers of the Delhi government on transfers and posting of officers escalated on Saturday with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saying the city government will challenge the ordinance in the Supreme Court.

 

In a press conference, the Aam Aadmi Party chief said the ordinance is a direct contempt of the Supreme Court order and an insult to the top court.

"It is the Centre’s ugly joke on democracy," Arvind Kejriwal said, hours after his government’s executive power in services matters, including the transfer and posting of officers, was curtailed by the BJP-led Union government.

"Why did the Centre file a review petition? The Centre is challenging the Supreme Court. We will challenge the ordinance," Kejriwal said.

The Centre promulgated an ordinance on Friday to create a National Capital Civil Service Authority for transfer of and disciplinary proceedings against IAS and DANICS cadre officers. This came a week after the Supreme Court handed over control of services, excluding those related to police, public order and land, to the elected government in Delhi.

In his address, Kejriwal also said he will approach Opposition leaders to oppose the ordinance in Parliament as the federal structure has been undermined by the Centre.

Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party will also begin a door-to-door campaign and hold a mega rally against the Delhi ordinance.

The National Capital Civil Service Authority will comprise the Delhi chief minister as its chairperson, along with the chief secretary and the principal home secretary, who will be the member secretary to the authority. All matters required to be decided by the authority will be decided by the majority of votes of the members present and voting.

In the case of a difference of opinion, the decision of the Lt Governor is final.