LG should hold discussions to settle differences with ministers: SC

The Lieutenant Governor shall try to settle matters through discussions wherever differences of opinion arises between him and the Council of Ministers, the Supreme Court held today.

The top court said the approach of dialogue, settlement by discussion and suppressing conflicts by harmonious co-existence should be adopted in cases of difference of opinion between the LG and the Council.

"Such an approach would not only result in acceptance of the role of the Lieutenant Governor but also help the NCT of Delhi to cherish the fruits of a responsive government as intended by the 69th Constitutional Amendment," a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said.

The bench noted that Rule 49 of the Transaction of Business of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Rules, 1993 "shows that settlement can be achieved by way of discussion.

"It further highlights how, by discussion and dialogue, a conflict can be avoided by adopting an ideology of harmonious co-existence which would again be in tune with the concepts of collaborative federalism, pragmatic federalism, federal balance and constitutional objectivity."