Kejriwal warns babus of 'serious consequences' if they do not obey SC order

A day after the Supreme Court clipped the powers of the Delhi L-G, the relationship between the AAP dispensation and bureaucrats further strained today with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal warning officers of "serious consequences" if they did not obey the apex court's order.

The Delhi government also explored legal options, including filing contempt petition, against those who refused to comply with the city government's directive on transfers and postings, an official said.

Another government official said Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia will meet Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal tomorrow to discuss the Supreme Court order.

This will be the first meeting between the chief minister and the lieutenant governor after the apex court order on power tussle between the Delhi government and the Centre.

Kejriwal wrote a letter to Baijal today, saying 'services' matter lies with the Council of Ministers, after bureaucrats refused to follow the AAP government's order withdrawing powers of transfer and postings from the L-G.

Hours after the Supreme Court's landmark judgement yesterday, the government introduced a new system for transfer and postings of bureaucrats, making the chief minister the approving authority.

However the services department refused to comply, saying the apex court did not abolish the May 21, 2015, notification of the Ministry of Home Affairs, according to which services matter lies with the lieutenant governor.

The Supreme Court in its landmark judgement yesterday had said the L-G is bound by the elected government's advice and cannot be an "obstructionist".

"All officers shud respect and obey SC order. Open defiance of SC order shall invite serious consequences. It will be in noone's interest (sic)," Kejriwal tweeted today.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted, "Have directed again Secretary Services to issue the orders as directed yesterday. Informed the officer that non compliance would lead to contempt of SC and the officer shall face disciplinary proceedings."
Kejriwal wrote, "We seek your (L-G's) support for the development of Delhi, for implementing public welfare schemes and for the implementation of the Supreme Court (order). We plan to issue orders tomorrow to all functionaries of Delhi government on the above lines."
Echoing the views of the chief minister, his deputy Sisodia tweeted, "I want to appeal to all the stakeholders to implement the order and work together for the development of Delhi. Sought time to meet Hon'ble LG today to seek his support and cooperation in the implementation of the order of Hon'ble SC and in the development of Delhi."
Claiming that two crore people were "crippled" due to "lack" of proper water and electricity supply and "depleted" public transport system, the Delhi BJP chief said, "I therefore urge you to give up your demand for full statehood and provide people with adequate supply of water and power."