New Delhi: A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court today unanimously delivered its verdict on the dispute between the Delhi government and the Centre.
It said the Delhi government has the same powers as the Delhi Assembly. The Delhi government has legislative and executive authority over the services. The top court said the Delhi government has legislative and executive powers over services besides subjects such as public order, police and land.
The apex court said it did not agree with justice Ashok Bhushan’s 2019 verdict. In 2019, Justice Bhushan ruled entirely in favour of the Centre. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices M R Shah, Krishna Murari, Hima Kohli and P S Narasimha were also present.
The Supreme Court has unanimously ruled on the Delhi government’s petition on the right to administrative services.
Reading out the verdict, the supreme court said, “Members of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, like other assemblies, are directly elected by the people. Respect for democracy and federal structure must be ensured.”
The court said that Article 239A gives a lot of powers to the Delhi Assembly but a balance has been struck with the Centre. Parliament also has jurisdiction in the affairs of Delhi.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party has termed it as a big victory in Delhi. The party said that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has achieved this victory after a long battle with the support of people.