SC to hear Delhi govt's plea on services next week

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that it would hear the matter pertaining to services involving transfer and postings under the Delhi government, next week.

Rahul Mehta, the lawyer appearing on behalf of the Delhi government, mentioned the matter before the apex court's three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

During the proceedings, Mehta argued that there still seems to be a stalemate between the Delhi government and the Centre, and therefore, requested the top court for an urgent hearing into the matter.

On Monday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had written a letter to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal regarding why he was "selective" in accepting the Supreme Court's judgment on the power tussle between him and the Delhi government.

Kejriwal urged Baijal to fully implement the court's orders in letter and spirit and asserted that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) does not have the power to interpret the order.

The Delhi Chief Minister also stated that Baijal should approach the apex court if there was any confusion, adding that the latter should not "violate" the court's order.

The top court in its July 4 judgment said that the Lieutenant Governor must work harmoniously with the state, adding that Delhi cannot be granted statehood, citing an earlier judgment.

The Chief Justice of India, who headed the five-judge bench comprising A.K. Sikri, A.M. Khanwilkar, D.Y. Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan, said, "L-G cannot act independently unless where the Constitution allows. L-G cannot be an obstructionist.