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The Supreme Court of India has intervened in an ongoing conflict between the Delhi government and its Lieutenant Governor (LG), ordering a definitive resolution to their recurring disputes. The immediate catalyst for the court's intervention was a stalled funding scheme, "Farishtey Dilli Ke," designed to provide free medical treatment to victims of road accidents in Delhi. This scheme, intended to encourage bystanders to assist those injured in accidents, had become effectively defunct due to a lack of payment to hospitals providing treatment. The Delhi government alleged that this failure stemmed from deliberate obstruction by certain officials within the health department, leading to hospitals becoming reluctant to accept accident victims. The plea described the lack of payment as an attempt to “sabotage” the scheme and highlighted that the scheme had been practically defunct for over a year due to unpaid bills.
The Delhi government's petition to the Supreme Court detailed a history of inaction and mismanagement, citing repeated requests and directions from the Department of Health and Family Welfare and the relevant minister to clear outstanding bills. Despite these pleas, payments to private hospitals remained outstanding, leaving the life-saving scheme paralysed. The accusations implied a deliberate effort by certain officials to hinder the effectiveness of the government's initiative, thereby demonstrating a significant breakdown in inter-departmental coordination. This lack of cooperation between arms of the same government underscores a deeper systemic problem within Delhi's administrative structure. The Supreme Court, hearing the plea, expressed its dissatisfaction at the conflict, stating that it was inexplicable that one wing of the government was actively working against another.
The Supreme Court's intervention came after the Delhi government, represented by Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat, informed the bench about the release of the funds following the court’s notice in December 2023. This development allowed the court to resolve the matter efficiently. The release of the funds signals a temporary resolution, but the underlying issue of inter-governmental conflict remains. The Supreme Court's directive to resolve the disputes ‘once and for all’ highlights the need for lasting structural changes within Delhi's administration to prevent similar situations from arising in the future. The court's decision to dispose of the plea emphasizes the urgency of resolving the underlying issues contributing to these disputes. The matter requires a comprehensive review of the administrative mechanisms responsible for ensuring inter-departmental cooperation and accountability within the government’s structure.
The case underscores the critical need for improved communication and collaboration between different branches of government. The conflict not only hampered a crucial public service, but also created a dangerous situation where hospitals were hesitant to treat victims of road accidents, potentially impacting public safety. The Supreme Court's ruling serves as a strong reminder of the judiciary's role in upholding governance principles and ensuring effective service delivery. While the immediate problem of the funding has been addressed, the lasting solution requires institutional reforms to prevent future conflicts between government branches. The court's explicit call for a permanent resolution points to the necessity of establishing clear protocols and mechanisms to resolve disagreements efficiently, thereby avoiding similar crises in the future.
The long-term implications of this case extend beyond the immediate impact on the "Farishtey Dilli Ke" scheme. It raises fundamental questions about the relationship between the elected government and the appointed LG in Delhi, a relationship often fraught with tension. The case could have broader implications for the functioning of other government schemes and services if similar inter-governmental disputes are not prevented. The Supreme Court's intervention should serve as a warning to government officials against obstructing crucial public service initiatives. The need for transparency and accountability in government processes is paramount, and this case serves as a critical example of how conflicts can severely impede the provision of essential public services. The focus now shifts towards implementing long-term solutions that address the root causes of these disputes, thereby ensuring that similar situations are avoided in the future, securing the efficient and effective operation of vital government schemes.
Source: Delhi Government, Lt Governor Must Settle Disputes Once And For All: Supreme Court