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The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns about the actions of Delhi's Lieutenant Governor (LG) in interfering with the elections for the standing committee of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). This issue has ignited a political battle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which governs Delhi, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which controls the LG's office. The court's intervention is a significant development that could have far-reaching implications for the relationship between the elected government and the LG, who is appointed by the central government.
The controversy arose when the LG intervened in the MCD elections, which were already marred by political tensions. The AAP and Congress boycotted the elections in protest of the LG's actions, leading to a BJP candidate being elected. The LG had directed the conduct of the elections in a hurried manner, triggering the Supreme Court's scrutiny. In its order, the court questioned the LG's authority and motives, noting that the election process was rushed and lacked transparency. The court also suggested that the LG's actions might have been politically motivated.
The Supreme Court's observations are significant because they highlight the delicate balance of power between the elected government and the appointed LG. The Constitution of India grants the LG certain powers over Delhi, but the court's stance underscores the importance of respecting the principle of separation of powers and ensuring that the elected government is not unduly hampered in its functioning. The court's intervention could lead to a re-examination of the LG's role in the governance of Delhi and its impact on the political landscape of the national capital.
Source: Supreme Court raises eyebrows over Delhi LG interference in MCD standing committee polls