New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday delivered a split verdict on the contentious issue of division of powers between the Delhi government and the Centre over control of services, covering issues like transfer of officials, and referred the matter to a larger bench.
A two-judge bench comprising Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan, however, agreed upon matters pertaining to the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), setting up of commissions of inquiry, control over electricity boards, land revenue matters and appointment of pubic prosecutors.
The bench upheld the Centre’s notification that its employees cannot be probed in corruption cases by the ACB, which is part of the Delhi government but controlled by the lieutenant governor (LG).
It said instead of the LG, the Delhi government will have the right to appoint public prosecutors or law officers. It also said the Delhi government will have authority over land revenue matters, including fixation of land revenue rates.
The power to appoint enquiry commission will be with the Centre. The top court said the Delhi government has the power to appoint or deal with electricity commission or board.
The bench differed on the issue of control of services in the national capital. Justice Sikri said that to facilitate smooth governance in Delhi, transfer and posting of secretaries and Head of Departments can be done by Lieutenant Governor (LG).
“In case of difference of opinion, the view of LG should prevail, Justice Sikri said, adding, “For greater transparency, civil service board for transfer and posting of grade 3 and grade 4 employees should be constituted, like there is a board for IAS officers”.
Justice Bhushan, however differed with the opinion expressed by Justice Sikri and said that under the law, Delhi government has no power to exercise control over services. He upheld the views expressed by Delhi High Court with respect to these services.
After the difference of opinion on the issue of control of services, the bench dictated the order and said the matter needs to be referred to a larger bench and views expressed by both the judges should be placed before the CJI for constitution of an appropriate bench.
In the landmark verdict, it had unanimously held that Delhi cannot be accorded the status of a state but clipped the powers of the LG, saying he has no “independent decision making power” and has to act on the aid and advice of the elected government. (PTI)
