Capital stalemate

Source– The post is based on the article “Capital stalemate” published in The Hindu on 13th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Issues and challenges pertaining to federal structure

Relevance– Issues related to division of powers between centre and states

News– The article explains the issue of continuous tussle between Delhi government and Lieutenant governor over their respective powers.

What are the points of conflict between the Delhi government and Lieutenant governor?

Recently the Lieutenant governor of Delhi appointed 10 aldermen and a BJP councilor to preside over polls.

Main opposition party alleged that the Lieutenant governor had bypassed the tradition of appointing the senior most councillor as the presiding officer. Giving voting rights to the appointed alderman is in violation of the MCD Act.

There are allegations that the Lieutenant Governor is ignoring the Council of Ministers and issuing orders to the bureaucracy directly on all matters.

What is the authority enjoyed by the Lieutenant governor of Delhi?

The Lieutenant Governor has executive control over only the three reserved subjects of police, public order and land. All other subjects lie with the elected government.

The Lieutenant Governor’s authority extends beyond those. She has control over the bureaucracy, and can exercise the power to transfer. She can suspend or take any action against any employee of the Delhi government.

What is the way forward?

The Supreme Court has called for statesmanship and wisdom by actors.

The legal ambiguity over exercise of power should be removed.