Following the Supreme Courts ruling in favour of the Delhi government on the administration of certain services, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed confidence that the pace of work would increase significantly. With his hands no longer tied, he warned officers who hindered peoples work of facing consequences and announced a forthcoming major bureaucratic reshuffle. In response to the courts decision, the AAP government promptly replaced services secretary Ashish More with IAS officer A K Singh. While the BJP acknowledged the verdict and predicted the rise of a transfer-posting industry in the city, the Congress described it as a “historic and colossal” ruling, exposing the BJPs alleged nexus and undemocratic nature.The AAP characterised the courts decision as a strong rebuke to attempts to overthrow governments through unconstitutional means and a significant defeat for the dictatorial practices of the BJP-led Centre. In a unanimous judgement, the Supreme Court affirmed that the Delhi government holds legislative and executive authority over the administration of services, excluding matters of public order, police, and land.During a press conference, Kejriwal expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Court judges for delivering justice to Delhi and also thanked the people of the city for their unwavering support to the AAP government. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a father figure and emphasised his responsibility to care for everyone, akin to a parent looking after their children.Image source: https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th“In the coming days, there will be a significant restructuring of the administration, with several officers being transferred based on their past performance. There have been instances where certain officials obstructed public projects and services, such as the supply of medicines in mohalla clinics or the utilisation of funds by DJB. Those responsible for such actions will face the consequences of their misconduct. On the other hand, officers and employees who are responsive, compassionate, and committed to serving the public will be given opportunities to contribute.” Kejriwal stated.He asserted that the Supreme Court unequivocally declared the act of the Centre snatching powers from the Delhi government in 2015 as unconstitutional.Kejriwal mentioned that despite facing numerous obstacles, his government in Delhi has accomplished remarkable work. He likened the situation to being thrown into water and having his hands tied, but his administration managed to deliver exceptional results. “We introduced a new model of education and healthcare that set an example for the entire country. With the removal of these hurdles, the pace of progress will increase tenfold. Delhi will now showcase a model of effective governance for the rest of the nation,” he emphasised.AAP leaders hailed the court verdict as a significant milestone, affirming that the Delhi government possesses powers equivalent to those of any other state government. They emphasised that the ministers now have the authority to transfer officers who are deemed inefficient or impeding public projects.Saurabh Bharadwaj, AAPs chief spokesperson and Services Minister, provided an explanation of the verdicts implications. He noted that previously all officers were accountable to the Central government through the Lieutenant Governor (LG). This arrangement lacked mechanisms to control officers in terms of public welfare. However, the Supreme Court has now clarified that the elected government of Delhi holds complete authority over services, executive and legislative powers, with the exception of police, public order, and land matters. “This ruling leaves no room for doubt,” Bharadwaj emphasised.The Supreme Courts decision comes after years of intense conflicts between the Arvind Kejriwal government and the Lieutenant Governors office, particularly since the appointment of V K Saxena as LG in May of the previous year.The AAP government has repeatedly accused Saxena of interfering in its day-to-day operations. Kejriwal has gone so far as to allege that the LG issues orders on “virtually every” subject to the chief secretary, bypassing the elected government.Their strained relationship has resulted in frequent clashes over a range of issues, including the excise policy, teacher training in Finland, free yoga classes, mohalla clinics, bureaucratic transfers, fund allocation, control over the Anti-Corruption Branch, and the extension of power subsidies to consumers.Speaking to PTI, Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel stated that bureaucrats who previously refused to appear before House committees will now have to comply and emphasised that work halted on the LGs directives will be resumed.Following the court ruling, numerous current and former high-ranking bureaucrats expressed the view that maintaining “dignity and coordination” between the elected government and the LGs office will prevent any further conflicts over governance issues.AAP supporters celebrated the verdict by dancing to the beats of dhol drums, lighting firecrackers, and distributing sweets at the party office and the Delhi secretariat.
