Delhi LG has no independent power, he can act on aid, advice of council of ministers:SC

New Delhi : In a major development, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that the Delhi Lieutenant Governor has no independent power and that he can act only on the aid and advice of the Council of Minister or implement the President’s decision.
The five- judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said the L-G can’t act as an obstructionist and can refer issues to the President only in exceptional matter and not as a general rule.
The apex court also ruled that the Delhi government has power in all areas except land, police and public order.
The Supreme Court also observed that Delhi being a national capital, it enjoys special status and is not a full state and hence, the role of L-G is different than that of a Governor.
The apex court also observed that neither the state nor the L-G should feel lionized, but realize they are serving constitutional obligations. “There is no space for absolutism or anarchy in our constitution,” the apex court observed.
As soon as the SC gave its ruling the Arvind Kejriwal-headed Aam Aadmi Party which had challenged the Delhi High Court’s order holding the L-G as the administrative head, celebrated the apex court judgment by distributing sweets among supporters.
“A big victory for the people of Delhi…a big victory for democracy…” the AAP said.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, “This is a good because the L-G was slowing down development, stopping work because the L-G was asking unnecessary questions.
Delhi BJP welcomes SC verdict, says AAP should shun full statehood demand
“We welcome the SC verdict. The Delhi government should have been following the law even without the order of the court. We hope, they will do so after the judgement,” BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta said.
BJP’s Delhi unit chief Manoj Tiwari took a jibe against Arvind Kejriwal saying that he can longer rule in anarchy. “Start following the constitution and work for the betterment of Delhiites,” he wrote on Twitter.