Delhi govt declares 'null void' high-level committee set up by L-G

The Delhi government today declared as "null and void" a high-level committee constituted by Lt Governor Anil Baijal to prepare common framework to install CCTV cameras in the city, setting a stage for another round of tussle between the AAP dispensation and the L-G office.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that the committee has been set up by the L-G as part of a "conspiracy" to derail the government's ambitious CCTV project which has reached its final stage for the execution.

Hitting out at Baijal here, the deputy chief minister alleged that instead of creating hurdles in the project, the L-G should take steps to prevent crime incidents, which have been on the rise in the national capital.

Earlier this week, Baijal had formed Delhi Home Secretary Manoj Parida-headed committee which will have senior officials from police and concerned government departments.

Delhi Home Minister Satyender Jain today wrote a strong-worded letter to the L-G, saying he has no jurisdiction to set up such a committee which is therefore "void ab-initio".

In the letter, Jain claimed that the committee was "illegal", "unconstitutional" and formed with the "sole objective" of obstructing the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government's CCTV camera project in the city.

Informing about the government's decision and Jain's letter, Sisodia told reporters that if the L-G continued to stop the AAP government's scheme, Delhi will not be benifitted.

"Installation of CCTV camera is a transfer subject which clearly falls under the jurisdiction of government. But, L-G, who has the responsibility of ensuring law and order situation, is not focusing to prevent crimes in Delhi," Sisodia said.

In the letter, Jain also said, "Under the Constitution, L-G's job is to do good policing and prevent crime. Kindly concentrate on your job. It is elected government's job to install cameras. Please allow us to do our job."