Supreme Court Verdict on Delhi L-G vs Arvind Kejriwal: Time For L-G And CM To Stop Blame Game Now And Develop Delhi, Says Ajay Maken

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Congress leader Ajay Maken says, "Now, since the Apex Court has clarified about the powers in Delhi, we hope that the development which has been stalled, ever since the Congress was voted out of power, 4 yrs ago-will start again. LG and CM, stop this blame-game and develop Delhi as we successfully did for 15 years!"

Reports say that a big administrative reshuffle is likely in Delhi tomorrow after Supreme Court verdict. According to CNN News18, several key officials are likely to be transferred.

Celebrations at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) office in Delhi after Supreme Court verdict on Delhi Power Tussle.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has called a meeting of all Cabinet Ministers at 4 pm at his residence to discuss critical projects of public importance which were "blocked so far."

BJP MP Subramanian Swamy Says, "Yes what SC said is correct that L-G must respect Delhi cabinet decisions, but if any anti national security or anti constitutional decision is taken, which they are capable of taking, as they are Naxalite type people, then L-G can oppose."

Former Delhi CM Sheila Dikhsit says, "I think what SC has said is very clear. As per Article 239 (AA) of the Constitution, Delhi is not a state, it is a UT. If Delhi Govt & LG don't work together then Delhi will face problems. Congress ruled Delhi for 15 years, no conflict took place then."

Delhi government thanks Supreme Court for verdict on power tussle. "It's a landmark judgement by Supreme Court. Now Delhi Government will not have to send their files to LG for approval, now work will not be stalled. I thank the SC, it's a big win for democracy," says Manish Sisodia, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweets, "A big victory for the people of Delhi...a big victory for democracy..."

Pronouncement of judgement concludes. It is a unanimous judgment with two concurring opinions by Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Ashok Bhushan. The court says that while Delhi cannot have powers of a full state, the Lieutenant Governor cannot act independently and is bound by aid and advice of Delhi Council of Ministers. 

The Supreme Court in its verdict has said that except for matters of Land, Law & Order and Public Order that come under the L-G, the L-G must not obstruct all other decisions of the Delhi government.

Justice Ashok Bhushan begins reading out his judgement. "Co-extensive Legislative power for Union and Delhi govt with respect to NCT of Delhi," Says Justice Ashok Bhushan. Read details here.

"The Lt. Governor must bear in mind that it is not he but Council of Ministers who takes substantive decisions," says Justice Chandrachud.

"In a democratic governance, real power and substantive accountability is vested in elected representatives," says Justlice Chandrachud.

"Council of Ministers has to communicate its decision to Lt. Governor, this does not mean Council of Ministers are bound by Lt. Governor," says CJI. CJI Misra has completed reading out verdict on behalf of three judges.

CJI Dipak Misra says, "L-G cannot be an obstructionist and cannot refer all matters to President." "Lt. Governor is bound by aid and advice of Council of Ministers, subject to the proviso to Article 239 AA to refer matter to President. He cannot act independently and has to act as per aid and advice of Council of Ministers," says CJI.

"Status of Delhi is sui generis, a class apart. Lt. Governor is not in the same class as a Governor of the State," says CJI Dipak Misra.

CJI Dipak Misra says, "Obeying the Constitution is everybody's duty and responsibility." The CJI says, "Delhi can't have powers of a full state." 

Conclusions of Supreme Court: Union and State Governments must cooperate. The CJI says that legitimate decisions taken by state government cannot be delayed by L-G.

CJI Dipak Misra will read out three judgements by the five-judge bench. He's currently reading out Justice AM Khanwilkar's judgement. Justice Chandrachud and Justice Sikri's verdicts will be read out separately.

Chief Justice Dipak Misra has begun reading the verdict on Delhi power tussle in courtroom 1.