New Delhi: In a setback to the Aam Aadami Party (AAP), the Supreme Court upheld Delhi Lieutenant Governor's decision to nominate 10 'aldermen' to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices Narasimha, JB Pardiwala said that LG is expected to act as per the statutory mandate and not as per the aid and advice of the Delhi government.
Since it was a statutory power and not an executive power, the LG was expected to act as per the statutory mandate and not as per the aid and advice of the Delhi Government, it added.
"Delhi LG is expected to act as per the mandate of the statute and not the aid and advice of council of ministers," said the top court while pronouncing the judgement.
The verdict of the Top Court came on a plea of Delhi government challenging the nominations of 10 'aldermen' by the LG to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. In May 2023, the Apex Court had reserved the judgement.
Reacting to the verdict, Senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said on Monday that the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the Delhi Lieutenant Governor’s right to appoint Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) aldermen was a “blow to democracy.” (with Agency inputs)
