View source for Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India

{{Short description|Supreme Court of India landmark civil appeal ruling pronounced on 4 July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox court case
|name               = Government of {{abbr|NCT|National Capital Territory}} of Delhi {{abbr|v.|versus}} Union of India
|court              = [[Supreme Court of India]]
|image              = 
|imagesize          = 
|imagelink          = 
|imagealt           = 
|caption            = 
|full name          = Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India {{abbr|&|and}} Anr.
|date decided       = <!-- {{start date|yyyy|mm|dd|df=}} -->
| ArgueDate = {{collapsible list
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|11|02}}
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|11|07}}
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|11|08}}
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|11|09}}
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|11|14}}
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|11|15}}
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|11|16}}
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|11|21}}
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|11|22}}
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|11|23}}
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|11|28}}
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|11|29}}
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|11|30}}
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|12|05}}
| {{start date and age|df=yes|2017|12|06}}
}}
| DecideDate = {{start date and age|df=yes|2018|07|04}}
| citations = (2018) 8 SCC 501 <br /> {{URL|1=https://www.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2016/29357/29357_2016_Judgement_04-Jul-2018.pdf|2={{abbr|C. A. No.|Civil Appeal Number}} 2357 of 2017}}<br />{{abbr|D. No.|Diary Number}} 29357-2016
|ECLI               = 
|transcripts        = 
|judges             = [[Dipak Misra]], {{abbr|CJI|Chief Justice of India}}; [[Arjan Kumar Sikri]], {{abbr|J|Justice}}; [[Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar]], J; [[Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud]], J; and [[Ashok Bhushan]], J
|number of judges   = 5
|decision by        = [[Dipak Misra]]
|concurring         = [[Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud|D. Y. Chandrachud]] and [[Ashok Bhushan]]
|dissenting         = 
|concur/dissent     = 
|prior actions      = Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi v. Union of India
|appealed from      = 
|appealed to        = 
|subsequent actions = 
|related actions    = 
|opinions           = 
| Overturned previous case = Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi versus Union of India by [[Delhi High Court]]
|keywords           = <!-- {{hlist | }} -->
|italic title       = 
}}

'''''Government of {{abbr|NCT|National Capital Territory}} of Delhi versus Union of India {{abbr|&|and}} Another''''' [{{Abbr|C. A. No.|Civil Appeal Number}} 2357 of 2017] is a [[Appeal|civil appeal]] heard before the [[Supreme Court of India]] by a five-judge [[Constitution bench (India)|constitution bench]] of the court. The case was filed as an appeal to an August{{Nbsp}}2016 verdict of the [[Delhi High Court]] that ruled that the [[List of lieutenant governors of Delhi|lieutenant governor of Delhi]] exercised "complete control of all matters regarding National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi", and was heard by the Supreme Court in November and December{{Nbsp}}2017.

The supreme court pronounced its judgment on 4 July{{Nbsp}}2018; it said the lieutenant governor of Delhi had no independent decision-making powers and was bound to follow the "aid and advice" of the Delhi chief-minister-headed council of ministers of the [[Government of Delhi]] on all matters except those pertaining to police, public order and land. The verdict was positively received almost unanimously by politicians from multiple parties.

==Background ==
The [[Government of India Act 1919]] and the [[Government of India Act 1935]] of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]] during the [[British Raj|British rule in India]] classified Delhi as a [[Chief Commissioner's Province|chief commissioner's province]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.orfonline.org/research/41571-statehood-for-delhi-chasing-a-chimera/|title=Statehood for Delhi: Chasing a Chimera|last=Sahoo|first=Niranjan|date=15 June 2018|work=[[Observer Research Foundation]]|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/sc-judgement-goes-into-history-of-delhi/1343478|title=SC judgement goes into history of Delhi|date=4 July 2018|work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|access-date=27 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113025744/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/sc-judgement-goes-into-history-of-delhi/1343478|archive-date=13 November 2018|url-status=live|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|location=[[New Delhi]]}}</ref> which meant Delhi was directly ruled by the [[Governor-General of India|governor-general]] through his or her representative, the [[chief commissioner]].<ref name=":0" /> The [[List of Chief Commissioners of Delhi|chief commissioner of Delhi]] used to be an appointed [[Indian Civil Service|civil servant]] and reported directly to the governor-general.<ref name=":0" />

After India's independence and with the passing of the [[Government of Part C States Act, 1951]], Delhi was classified as a [[Part C State|Part C state]],<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thequint.com/explainers/full-statehood-delhi-arvind-kejriwal-aam-aadmi-party|title=Can Statehood for Delhi Solve the LG vs AAP Power Tussle?|last=Roy|first=Shreyashi|date=4 July 2018|work=[[The Quint]]|access-date=27 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093223/https://www.thequint.com/explainers/full-statehood-delhi-arvind-kejriwal-aam-aadmi-party|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> with an appointed chief commissioner and an elected [[List of Chief Ministers of Delhi|chief minister]]-led council of ministers, which had powers over "public utilities, sanitation, water supply et al.", that was accountable and responsible to the [[Delhi Legislative Assembly]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> but not over 'police', 'public order', 'land' et al.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />

After the passing of the [[States Reorganisation Act, 1956]] and the [[Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956]] on the recommendations of the [[Fazal Ali]]-headed [[States Reorganisation Commission]], however, states were reorganised; tier-classification of states was abandoned and top-level subdivisions of India were categorised as either states or [[Union territory|union territories]] (UT),. Delhi was classified a UT;<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> its council of ministers and legislative assembly were dissolved.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> To give Delhi some elected leadership, the [[Municipal Corporation of Delhi Act, 1957]] was passed by the parliament, establishing the now-trifurcated [[Municipal Corporation of Delhi]].<ref name=":0" /> Delhi, however, did not come under the [[Government of Union Territories Act, 1961]], which allowed for legislative assemblies and councils of ministers in some large union territories.<ref name=":1" /> There were widespread demands for Delhi to get statehood and more elected representatives in its general governance.<ref name=":0" />

As a compromise, the [[Delhi Metropolitan Council]] was formed in 1966 with the passing of the [[Delhi Administration Act, 1966]] by the [[Parliament of India]]; the council had fifty-six{{Nbsp}}directly-elected members (called councillors) and five{{Nbsp}}members nominated by the newly created position of [[List of lieutenant governors of Delhi|lieutenant governor]] (LG).<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/the-making-of-a-capital-state/story-ErqSapmhJMx8mFuYaRM8CN.html|title=The making of a capital state|last=Mathur|first=Atul|date=7 December 2011|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=27 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113165738/https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/the-making-of-a-capital-state/story-ErqSapmhJMx8mFuYaRM8CN.html|archive-date=13 November 2018|url-status=live|location=[[Delhi]]|issn=0972-0243|oclc=231696742}}</ref> The council had only advisory powers with regards to legislative proposals, budget proposals and other matters referred to it by the lieutenant governor.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> The lieutenant governor succeeded the chief commissioner as the administrator of Delhi.<ref name=":2" /> The Delhi Metropolitan Council's chairman and deputy chairman acted as [[Speaker (politics)|speaker]] and [[deputy speaker]] for the council, which elected a chief executive councillor and three executive councillors,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://delhiassembly.nic.in/metropoliton.htm|title=Delhi Metropolitan Council (1966–1990)|website=[[Delhi Legislative Assembly]]|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref> much like a state [[Chief minister (India)|chief minister]] and [[council of ministers]] elected by—and responsible to—[[Vidhan Sabha|vidhan sabhas]].<ref name=":3" />

After widespread demands for a legislative assembly, Delhi was granted further autonomy with the passing of the [[Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991]] and the [[Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991]] by the parliament,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> which established the [[Delhi Legislative Assembly]], allowing for the reintroduction of the [[List of chief ministers of Delhi|chief minister]] and the council of ministers, replacing the chief executive councillor and executive councillors, respectively.<ref name=":2" />

== Premise ==
[[File:Najeeb Jung.JPG|thumb|[[Najeeb Jung]], the [[List of lieutenant governors of Delhi|lieutenant governor of Delhi]] from July 2013 to December 2016]]

In April{{Nbsp}}2015, the Delhi lieutenant governor (LG) [[Najeeb Jung]] said it was not mandatory for him to send files regarding police, public order and land—his reserved subjects—to the chief minister's office.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/not-obliged-to-send-files-to-cm-jung/|title=Not obliged to send files to CM: Jung|last=Singh|first=Vijaita|date=30 April 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=30 September 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=70274541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013062259/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/not-obliged-to-send-files-to-cm-jung/|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Jung was backed by the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] in May{{Nbsp}}2015 which through a government notification said the LG had the final decision on matters related to police, public order, land and services, adding that the Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) could not investigate central government employees.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/mha-notification-lands-major-blow-on-delhi-government/article7234669.ece|title=MHA notification lands major blow on Delhi Government|last=Anand|first=Jatin|date=22 May 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=30 September 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116062252/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/mha-notification-lands-major-blow-on-delhi-government/article7234669.ece|archive-date=16 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-LG-vs-CM-Full-text-of-MHA-notification/articleshow/47381168.cms|title=Delhi LG vs CM: Full text of MHA notification|date=22 May 2015|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=30 September 2018|publisher=[[Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.]]|agency=Times News Network|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=23379369|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013162309/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-LG-vs-CM-Full-text-of-MHA-notification/articleshow/47381168.cms|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June{{Nbsp}}2015, while presenting the Delhi budget for approval to the [[Delhi Legislative Assembly]], the deputy chief minister [[Manish Sisodia]]—acting as the finance minister—announced the government's intention to raise circle rates on agricultural land throughout the National Capital Territory of Delhi.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-budget-Circle-rates-of-agricultural-land-hiked/articleshow/47822663.cms|title=Delhi budget: Circle rates of agricultural land hiked – Times of India|date=26 June 2015|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=13 October 2018|publisher=[[Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd]]|agency=Times News Network|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=23379369|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013163829/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-budget-Circle-rates-of-agricultural-land-hiked/articleshow/47822663.cms|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In August{{Nbsp}}2015, Lieutenant Governor Jung opposed the government's move on circle rates and stayed it.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/jung-stays-aap-govt-s-circle-rate-hike-notification/story-03AcMdrXI2ieA0xTSYTM5N.html|title=Jung stays AAP govt's circle rate hike notification|date=11 August 2015|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=13 October 2018|others=HT Correspondent|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0972-0243|oclc=231696742|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093205/https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/jung-stays-aap-govt-s-circle-rate-hike-notification/story-03AcMdrXI2ieA0xTSYTM5N.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In response, the Delhi government reasserted its intention to raise the circle rate, saying the LG had no say on the matter and was bound to follow the government's aid and advice.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/delhi-government-passes-resolution-on-circle-rates-115081301481_1.html|title=Delhi government passes resolution on circle rates|date=13 August 2018|work=[[Business Standard]]|access-date=13 October 2018|publisher=Business Standard Ltd|agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=496280002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093213/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/delhi-government-passes-resolution-on-circle-rates-115081301481_1.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/BZHRjoPD3F2P6aqyQqhjTM/AAP-issues-order-to-implement-circle-rate-despite-LGs-no.html|title=AAP issues order to implement circle rate despite LG's 'no'|date=13 August 2018|work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]|access-date=13 October 2018|publisher=Vivek Khanna|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013053753/https://www.livemint.com/Politics/BZHRjoPD3F2P6aqyQqhjTM/AAP-issues-order-to-implement-circle-rate-despite-LGs-no.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August{{Nbsp}}2015, the Delhi government ordered the creation of a commission of inquiry headed by retired [[Delhi High Court]] judge, S. N. Aggarwal to investigate the alleged CNG fitness scam that occurred during the chief ministership of [[Indian National Congress]] member [[Sheila Dikshit]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/aap-govt-forms-commission-to-probe-cng-fitness-scam/|title=AAP govt forms commission to probe CNG fitness scam|date=11 August 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=2 October 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=70274541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013060935/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/aap-govt-forms-commission-to-probe-cng-fitness-scam/|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The move was opposed by Jung, who referred the matter to the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]], asking whether it was legal for the government to form a commission of inquiry without his approval.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/cng-fitness-scam-can-delhi-govt-order-probe-without-my-ok-najeeb-jung-asks-centre/|title=CNG fitness scam: Can Delhi govt order probe without my OK, Najeeb Jung asks Centre|date=20 August 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=2 October 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|agency=Express News Service|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=70274541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093843/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/cng-fitness-scam-can-delhi-govt-order-probe-without-my-ok-najeeb-jung-asks-centre/|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The home ministry later ruled that the [[Government of Delhi|Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi]] was "not the [[competent authority]] to set up" an inquiry commission, thus holding that the Delhi government order was "legally invalid and void [[ab initio]]".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/cng-fitness-scam-commission-of-inquiry-set-up-by-govt-illegal-invalid-says-mha/|title=CNG fitness scam: Commission of Inquiry set up by govt illegal, invalid, says MHA|date=22 August 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=2 October 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|agency=Express News Service|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=70274541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013055431/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/cng-fitness-scam-commission-of-inquiry-set-up-by-govt-illegal-invalid-says-mha/|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/cng-fitness-scam-home-ministry-says-aap-government-appointed-probe-panel-legally-invalid/articleshow/48591648.cms|title=CNG fitness scam: Home Ministry says AAP government appointed probe panel 'legally invalid'|date=21 August 2015|work=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=2 October 2018|publisher=[[The Times Group]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=61311680|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093233/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/cng-fitness-scam-home-ministry-says-aap-government-appointed-probe-panel-legally-invalid/articleshow/48591648.cms|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December{{Nbsp}}2015, the Delhi government formed a one-member commission of inquiry composed of former [[Solicitor General of India|solicitor general]], [[Gopal Subramanium]] to investigate an alleged scam in the [[Delhi & District Cricket Association]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/ddca-scam-delhi-government-appoints-inquiry-commission/20151221.htm|title='DDCA scam': Delhi government appoints inquiry commission|date=21 December 2015|website=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=11 October 2018|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013094713/http://www.rediff.com/news/report/ddca-scam-delhi-government-appoints-inquiry-commission/20151221.htm|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Lieutenant Governor Jung asked for the Government of India's opinion on the legality of the inquiry commission.<ref name=":16">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/DDCA-Commission-of-Inquiry-not-valid-Centre/article13988517.ece|title=DDCA Commission of Inquiry not valid: Centre|date=8 January 2016|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=3 October 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|others=National Bureau|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119}}</ref> Chief Minister Kejriwal maintained that the commission of inquiry was legal and asked the Government of India to move the Delhi High Court if it had any issue with the commission's formation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/commission-of-inquiry-into-ddca-scam-legal-kejriwal-115122600505_1.html|title=Commission of inquiry into 'DDCA scam' legal: Kejriwal|date=26 December 2015|work=[[Business Standard]]|access-date=3 October 2018|publisher=Business Standard Ltd|others=B. S. Reporter|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=496280002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013053836/https://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/commission-of-inquiry-into-ddca-scam-legal-kejriwal-115122600505_1.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In January{{Nbsp}}2016, the Ministry of Home Affairs informed Jung that the commission was not valid because the Delhi government did not have the power to form an inquiry commission because Delhi was not a state.<ref name=":16" />

In August{{Nbsp}}2016, at the Delhi government's behest, a [[division bench]] of the [[Delhi High Court|High Court of Delhi]] composed of Chief Justice [[G. Rohini]] and Justice Jayant Nath ruled that the LG had "complete control of all matters regarding National Capital Territory of Delhi".<ref name=":24">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/In-a-jolt-to-AAP-Delhi-HC-holds-Lt.-Governor-as-administrative-head/article14551095.ece|title=In a jolt to AAP, Delhi HC holds Lt. Governor as administrative head|last1=Jain|first1=Akanksha|date=4 August 2016|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=13 October 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|last2=AMP|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119|last3=Akram|first3=Maria|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221042136/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/In-a-jolt-to-AAP-Delhi-HC-holds-Lt.-Governor-as-administrative-head/article14551095.ece|archive-date=21 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":25">{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/court-blow-to-aap-all-delhi-decisions-have-to-go-through-l-g/story-9fB7KV9NgsjgaP9TQyENiJ.html|title=L-G Najeeb Jung is the boss in Delhi: High court tells Kejriwal's AAP govt|last=Singh|first=Soibam Rocky|date=4 August 2016|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=13 October 2018|location=[[Delhi]]|issn=0972-0243|oclc=231696742|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013053901/https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/court-blow-to-aap-all-delhi-decisions-have-to-go-through-l-g/story-9fB7KV9NgsjgaP9TQyENiJ.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":26">{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/setback-for-aap-arvind-kejriwal-govt-delhi-hc-says-l-g-najeeb-jung-is-administrative-head-of-national-capital-territory-2952944/|title=Delhi is Lt Governor territory, Kejriwal govt's orders illegal: High Court|last=Mathur|first=Aneesha|date=5 August 2016|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=13 October 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=70274541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618025734/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/setback-for-aap-arvind-kejriwal-govt-delhi-hc-says-l-g-najeeb-jung-is-administrative-head-of-national-capital-territory-2952944/|archive-date=18 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The court also pronounced that all commissions of inquiry set up by the Government of Delhi were illegal,<ref name=":24" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":26" /> it also ruled that directions issued by the government to the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission and the directors nominated by it to the boards of private electricity companies were illegal.<ref name=":24" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":26" /> Further, the court upheld the May{{Nbsp}}2015 Ministry of Home Affairs notification which ruled that the Delhi ACB could not investigate central government employees.<ref name=":24" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":26" /> The court, however, said the LG was bound by the aid and advice of the Delhi council of ministers on matters related to the appointments of [[Special prosecutor (India)|special public prosecutor]]s.<ref name=":26" /> Not satisfied with the high court's decision, the Delhi government ministers Kejriwal, Sisodia and [[Satyendra Kumar Jain|Satyendra Jain]] decided to move the supreme court.<ref name=":24" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":26" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/arvind-kejriwal-says-he-will-move-supreme-court-after-delhi-high-court-disappointment-2952941/|title=Arvind Kejriwal says he will move Supreme Court after Delhi High Court disappointment|date=4 August 2016|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=13 October 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|others=Express Web Desk|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=70274541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013060823/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/arvind-kejriwal-says-he-will-move-supreme-court-after-delhi-high-court-disappointment-2952941/|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Civil servants ===
In May{{Nbsp}}2015, after the Delhi [[Chief secretary (India)|chief secretary]] and [[Indian Administrative Service]] (IAS) officer K. K. Sharma went on leave for ten&nbsp;days, Lieutenant Governor Jung ordered [[Shakuntala Gamlin]], IAS officer and [[Principal secretary (India)|principal secretary]] in charge of Delhi government's departments of power and industries, to officiate as the chief secretary in Sharma's absence.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/shakuntala-gamlin-at-the-heart-of-kejriwal-jung-turf-war-all-you-need-to-know-about-delhis-chief-secy-2249624.html|title=Shakuntala Gamlin at the heart of Kejriwal-Jung turf war: All you need to know about Delhi's chief secy|date=18 May 2015|website=[[Firstpost]]|publisher=[[Network 18]]|others=FP Staff|access-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093219/https://www.firstpost.com/politics/shakuntala-gamlin-at-the-heart-of-kejriwal-jung-turf-war-all-you-need-to-know-about-delhis-chief-secy-2249624.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/arvind-kejriwal-accuses-acting-chief-secretary-shakuntala-gamlin-of-favouring-power-firms/article7216389.ece|title=Kejriwal accuses Shakuntala Gamlin of favouring power firms|date=17 May 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 October 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/before-aap-vs-cs-anshu-prakash-episode-3-times-kejriwal-was-at-loggerheads-with-bureaucrats-1173615-2018-02-20|title=Before AAP vs Anshu Prakash episode, 3 times Kejriwal was at loggerheads with bureaucrats|date=20 February 2018|website=[[India Today]]|publisher=[[Aroon Purie]]|others=IndiaToday.in|issn=0254-8399|access-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013055433/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/before-aap-vs-cs-anshu-prakash-episode-3-times-kejriwal-was-at-loggerheads-with-bureaucrats-1173615-2018-02-20|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> This was opposed by Kejriwal, who accused Gamlin of lobbying for power companies.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":13" /> Gamlin wrote to LG Jung that industries minister [[Satyendra Kumar Jain|Satyendra Jain]] was putting pressure on her in a matter related to industrial plots.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-minister-put-pressure-to-convert-industrial-plots-to-freehold-top-bureaucrat-shakuntala-gamlin-767467|title=Delhi Bureaucrat Shakuntala Gamlin Complains to Lieutenant Governor Against AAP Minister|date=1 June 2015|work=[[NDTV]]|access-date=5 October 2018|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093303/https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-minister-put-pressure-to-convert-industrial-plots-to-freehold-top-bureaucrat-shakuntala-gamlin-767467|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Anindo Majumdar, the Delhi government's principal secretary for its services department and IAS officer, was locked out of his office on the direction of the chief minister's office;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-govt-replaces-principal-secretary-anindo-majumdar/article7219150.ece|title=Official who cleared Gamlin's name locked out|last1=Anand|first1=Jatin|date=18 May 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2 October 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|last2=Iqbal|first2=Mohammed|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201083301/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-govt-replaces-principal-secretary-anindo-majumdar/article7219150.ece|archive-date=1 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-kejriwal-vs-jung-row-escalates-delhi-principal-secretary-anindo-majumdar-locked-out-of-office-2086841|title=Kejriwal vs Jung row escalates: Delhi Principal Secretary Anindo Majumdar locked out of office|date=18 May 2015|work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|access-date=2 October 2018|publisher=Prashant Saxena|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|oclc=801791672|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113165716/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-kejriwal-vs-jung-row-escalates-delhi-principal-secretary-anindo-majumdar-locked-out-of-office-2086841|archive-date=13 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/ias-officer-who-was-locked-out-very-upset/|title=IAS officer who was locked out 'very upset'|last=Janwalkar|first=Mayura|date=22 May 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=2 October 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=70274541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113081250/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/ias-officer-who-was-locked-out-very-upset/|archive-date=13 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> the order added that Majumdar had been replaced by Kejriwal's principal secretary and IAS officer, Rajendra Kumar, and that Majumdar had been divested of all of his charges.<ref name=":15" /> The order, however, was declared null and void by Lieutenant Governor Jung, saying his approval for transferring Majumdar was not taken.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/jung-cancels-another-govt-order-aap-sees-coup-kejriwal-goes-to-president/|title=Najeeb Jung cancels another govt order, AAP cries 'coup', Kejriwal goes to President|last=Kaushika|first=Pragya|date=17 May 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=2 October 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=70274541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113075802/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/jung-cancels-another-govt-order-aap-sees-coup-kejriwal-goes-to-president/|archive-date=13 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/principal-secretary-anindo-majumdar-who-issued-shakuntala-gamlins-posting-order-shifted/articleshow/47312272.cms|title=Principal Secretary Anindo Majumdar who issued Shakuntala Gamlin's posting order shifted|date=16 May 2015|work=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=2 October 2018|publisher=[[The Times Group]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=61311680|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113081334/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/principal-secretary-anindo-majumdar-who-issued-shakuntala-gamlins-posting-order-shifted/articleshow/47312272.cms|archive-date=13 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Majumdar subsequently said he opposed the "politicisation" of senior bureaucratic appointments and refused to follow any "unconstitutional" orders from Kejriwal.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/Z7iBLS9d3qfVsiZdpFDePM/Anindo-Majumdar-lashes-AAP-govt-says-will-not-follow-uncon.html|title=Anindo Majumdar criticises AAP govt; says will not follow 'unconstitutional' orders|date=21 May 2015|work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Livemint]]|access-date=2 October 2018|publisher=Vivek Khanna|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|location=[[New Delhi]]}}</ref>

In June{{Nbsp}}2015, seven&nbsp;officers of the [[Bihar Police]] joined Delhi ACB on deputation;<ref name=":10">{{Cite news|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-delhi-govt-appoints-5-bihar-policemen-to-fight-corruption-jung-says-acb-functions-under-lg-s-authority-2091509|title=Delhi govt appoints 5 Bihar policemen to fight corruption; Jung says ACB functions under LG's authority|date=2 June 2015|work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|access-date=1 October 2018|publisher=Prashant Saxena|others=DNA Web Team|oclc=801791672|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013094706/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-delhi-govt-appoints-5-bihar-policemen-to-fight-corruption-jung-says-acb-functions-under-lg-s-authority-2091509|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/bihar-dsp-joins-acb-escalates-power-tussle/|title=Bihar DSP joins ACB, escalates power tussle|date=17 June 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=1 October 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|others=Express Web Team|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=23379369|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013095350/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/bihar-dsp-joins-acb-escalates-power-tussle/|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> in opposition to the move, Lieutenant Governor Jung said the ACB was solely under his jurisdiction,<ref name=":10" /> resulting in the officers not being assigned any tasks for months.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/kerjiwal-jung-feud-means-bihar-police-acb-transfers-have-no-work/story-gzlGTWFeas8JtJWiTgd5HL.html|title=Kerjiwal-Jung feud means Bihar police ACB transfers have no work|last=Lama|first=Prawesh|date=24 August 2015|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=1 October 2018|location=[[Delhi]]|issn=0972-0243|oclc=231696742|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093216/https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/kerjiwal-jung-feud-means-bihar-police-acb-transfers-have-no-work/story-gzlGTWFeas8JtJWiTgd5HL.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> This was followed by Jung naming [[Indian Police Service]] (IPS) officer M. K. Meena, an [[Inspector-general of police#India|inspector general]]-ranked [[Delhi Police]] joint commissioner heading its [[New Delhi]] range, as the ACB's head.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/jung-kejriwal-delhi-acb-m-k-meena-aap-manish-sisodia-256319-2015-06-08|title=L-G Najeeb Jung appoints MK Meena as the chief of anti-corruption branch|date=8 June 2015|website=[[India Today]]|publisher=[[Aroon Purie]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0254-8399|access-date=1 October 2018|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013053816/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/jung-kejriwal-delhi-acb-m-k-meena-aap-manish-sisodia-256319-2015-06-08|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/l-g-appoints-top-cop-as-head-of-anti-corruption-branch-aap-govt-fumes/story-UjcDe0LktD7OWv0vHw8G5L.html|title=L-G appoints top cop as head of anti-corruption branch, AAP govt fumes|date=8 June 2015|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=1 October 2018|others=HT Correspondent|location=[[Delhi]]|issn=0972-0243|oclc=231696742|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013053852/https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/l-g-appoints-top-cop-as-head-of-anti-corruption-branch-aap-govt-fumes/story-UjcDe0LktD7OWv0vHw8G5L.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> This was in contravention to Kejriwal's demands; Kejriwal had appointed [[Deputy inspector general of police#India|deputy inspector general]]-ranked IPS officer S. S. Yadav as the ACB chief.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":12" /> In June{{Nbsp}}2015, the Delhi High Court refused to set aside Meena's appointment but asked him to act in "accordance with law".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/m-k-meena-to-remain-acb-chief-hc-refuses-order-on-delhi-govts-plea/|title=Delhi High Court backs M K Meena as ACB chief|date=30 June 2018|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=1 October 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|agency=Express News Service|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=70274541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013090827/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/m-k-meena-to-remain-acb-chief-hc-refuses-order-on-delhi-govts-plea/|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Consequently, the Delhi government reduced Meena's mandate, asking him to look after training and cases undergoing trial. Yadav was asked to handle—among other things—investigations and functioning of the agency.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/JdF4VNihSeZQw7rNFgujxI/Delhi-government-curtails-ACB-chief-Meenas-powers.html|title=Delhi government curtails ACB chief Meena's powers|date=1 July 2015|work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Livemint]]|access-date=1 October 2018|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013055315/https://www.livemint.com/Politics/JdF4VNihSeZQw7rNFgujxI/Delhi-government-curtails-ACB-chief-Meenas-powers.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/vigilance-curtails-meenas-powers/|title=Vigilance curtails MK Meena's powers|date=2 July 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=1 October 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|agency=Express News Service|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=70274541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013092333/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/vigilance-curtails-meenas-powers/|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 9 June{{Nbsp}}2015, Jung vetoed Kejriwal's transfer of IAS officer Dharam Pal from the Delhi government's [[Principal secretary (India)|principal secretary]] in charge of its home and land and buildings departments, citing the April{{Nbsp}}2015 home ministry notification that transferred the power over services to the LG.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/centre-scraps-aap-govt-order-to-transfer-home-secy-kejriwal-protests/story-glkafobNvh2VewkL8MksTN.html|title=Centre scraps AAP govt order to transfer home secy, Kejriwal protests|last=Pandey|first=Neelam|date=11 June 2015|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=25 September 2018|location=[[Delhi]]|issn=0972-0243|oclc=231696742|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013053850/https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/centre-scraps-aap-govt-order-to-transfer-home-secy-kejriwal-protests/story-glkafobNvh2VewkL8MksTN.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/centre-rejects-delhi-home-secretarys-transfer-kejriwal-protests-152804374.html|title=Centre rejects Delhi home secretary's transfer, Kejriwal protests|date=11 June 2015|work=[[Yahoo! News]]|access-date=25 September 2018|publisher=[[Oath Inc.]]|agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013053904/https://in.news.yahoo.com/centre-rejects-delhi-home-secretarys-transfer-kejriwal-protests-152804374.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/centre-cancels-aap-govt-order-reinstates-delhi-home-secretary/article7305650.ece?_escaped_fragment_=|title=Centre cancels AAP govt order; reinstates Delhi Home Secretary|date=11 June 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=25 September 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119}}</ref>

In August{{Nbsp}}2016, following the ''[[Rajender Prashad v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi]]'' decision of the Delhi High Court, the Delhi government-appointed [[Indian Revenue Service]] officer Tarun Seem, and a former engineer-in-chief of the PWD Sarvagaya Srivastava—non-IAS secretaries in charge of health and PWD respectively—were replaced by Jung with IAS officers Chandraker Bharti and Ashwani Kumar as principal secretaries for health and PWD, respectively.<ref name=":21">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/AAP-Jung-battle-continues-more-officials-transferred/article15617983.ece|title=AAP-Jung battle continues; more officials transferred|last=Akram|first=Maria|date=30 August 2018|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=12 October 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/CieZihtMVJAK7j5CHVCZXK/LG-Jung-transfers-Delhi-govt-officials-Kejriwal-hits-out-a.html|title=L-G Jung transfers Delhi govt officials; Kejriwal hits out at PM Modi|date=30 August 2018|work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Livemint]]|access-date=13 October 2018|publisher=Vivek Khanna|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013093237/https://www.livemint.com/Politics/CieZihtMVJAK7j5CHVCZXK/LG-Jung-transfers-Delhi-govt-officials-Kejriwal-hits-out-a.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":23">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/LG-Jung-replaces-health-and-PWD-secretarys/articleshow/53936174.cms|title=LG Jung replaces health and PWD secretarys [''sic'']|date=31 August 2016|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=13 October 2018|publisher=[[Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=23379369|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107085435/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/LG-Jung-replaces-health-and-PWD-secretarys/articleshow/53936174.cms|archive-date=7 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The move was opposed by Kejriwal, who said that [[List of deputy chief ministers of Delhi|deputy chief minister]], Manish Sisodia, had "begged" Jung to not transfer health and PWD secretaries before March{{Nbsp}}2017.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":23" /> Kejriwal added that files for the transfer of bureaucrats were not shown to him or any other minister of the government.<ref name=":21" /> In response, Jung's office said Seem and Srivastava's postings were illegal because they were in contravention with the Government of India's cadre rules, adding that even posting Seem to a position in the Delhi government was illegal because the LG's approval to post him was not taken.<ref name=":23" />

In October{{Nbsp}}2016, Jung gave IAS officer Alka Diwan the additional charge of being the [[Delhi Commission for Women]]'s (DCW) member-secretary. Diwan proceeded to stop salary payments to contractual employees of the DCW and asked the commission's chairperson Swati Maliwal to regularise contractual employees by sending a proposal to the Delhi government's finance department.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/No-salaries-says-DCWblaming-member-secy/articleshow/55122200.cms|title=No salaries, says DCW, blaming member-secretary|date=29 October 2016|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=26 September 2018|publisher=[[Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.]]|agency=Times News Network|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=23379369|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101211449/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/No-salaries-says-DCWblaming-member-secy/articleshow/55122200.cms|archive-date=1 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/maliwal-says-new-appointee-stops-salary-targets-dcw-116102801377_1.html|title=Maliwal says new appointee stops salary, targets DCW|date=28 October 2018|work=[[Business Standard]]|access-date=26 September 2018|publisher=Business Standard Ltd|agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=496280002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013053845/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/maliwal-says-new-appointee-stops-salary-targets-dcw-116102801377_1.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> This led to Kejriwal asking Jung to remove her.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-chief-minister-vs-lieutenant-governor-arvind-kejriwal-anil-baijal-najeeb-jung-supreme-court-timeline-5245029/|title=Delhi Chief Minister vs L-G: A timeline of the tussle since Kejriwal took office|last=Jha|first=Shreyasi|date=4 July 2018|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=26 September 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=70274541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013062332/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-chief-minister-vs-lieutenant-governor-arvind-kejriwal-anil-baijal-najeeb-jung-supreme-court-timeline-5245029/|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Jung then replaced Diwan with another IAS officer Dilraj Kaur,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/l-g-appoints-dilraj-kaur-as-member-secretary-in-dcw-659319-2016-12-06|title=L-G appoints Dilraj Kaur as Member Secretary in DCW|date=6 December 2016|website=[[India Today]]|publisher=[[Aroon Purie]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0254-8399|access-date=26 September 2018|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013053832/https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/l-g-appoints-dilraj-kaur-as-member-secretary-in-dcw-659319-2016-12-06|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> conflicting with the wishes of Kejriwal, who had nominated the commission's legal adviser P. P. Dhal to act as the DCW's officiating member-secretary.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/arvind-kejriwal-najeeb-jung-dcw-delhi-commission-for-women-member-secy-post-4427628/|title=Two people stake claim to DCW member secy post|date=12 December 2016|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=26 September 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|agency=Express News Service|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=70274541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013060820/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/arvind-kejriwal-najeeb-jung-dcw-delhi-commission-for-women-member-secy-post-4427628/|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> This caused Kejriwal to compare Jung with [[Adolf Hitler]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/jung-is-hitler-says-kejriwal-116120700539_1.html|title=Jung is Hitler, says Kejriwal|date=7 December 2016|work=[[Business Standard]]|access-date=26 September 2018|publisher=Business Standard Ltd|agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=496280002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013053754/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/jung-is-hitler-says-kejriwal-116120700539_1.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/Kejriwal-likens-Jung-to-Hitler/article16774405.ece|title=Kejriwal likens Jung to Hitler|date=8 December 2016|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=26 September 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|others=Staff Reporter|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209103749/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/Kejriwal-likens-Jung-to-Hitler/article16774405.ece|archive-date=9 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February{{Nbsp}}2018, Delhi's [[Chief secretary (India)|chief secretary]] and IAS officer [[Anshu Prakash]] was allegedly assaulted by some [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|members of the Delhi Legislative Assembly]] (MLA) from the AAP.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-chief-secretary-anshu-prakash-alleges-assault-at-arvind-kejriwals-home-by-2-mlas-1814773|title=Delhi Chief Secretary Alleges Assault At Arvind Kejriwal's Home By 2 MLAs: 10 Points|last=Basu|first=Snigdha|date=20 February 2018|editor-last=Ghosh|editor-first=Deepshikha|website=[[NDTV]]|location=[[Delhi]]|access-date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710143721/https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-chief-secretary-anshu-prakash-alleges-assault-at-arvind-kejriwals-home-by-2-mlas-1814773|archive-date=10 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-chief-secretary-assault-case-live-updates-anshu-prakash-assaulted-arvind-kejriwal-aap-bjp-congress-5071066/|title=Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash'assault' case LIVE UPDATES: IAS body up in arms, AAP calls press meet at 4 pm|date=20 February 2018|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=10 October 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|others=Express Web Desk|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=70274541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712124347/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-chief-secretary-assault-case-live-updates-anshu-prakash-assaulted-arvind-kejriwal-aap-bjp-congress-5071066/|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/bjp-says-delhi-cs-assaulted-at-arvind-kejriwal-s-residence-aap-denies-allegation/story-ZCXtDMAKZt3xNEJuRu7JDK.html|title=Delhi chief secretary allegedly assaulted at Kejriwal's residence, IAS officers protest|date=20 February 2018|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=10 October 2018|others=HT Correspondent|location=[[Delhi]]|issn=0972-0243|oclc=231696742|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727171554/https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/bjp-says-delhi-cs-assaulted-at-arvind-kejriwal-s-residence-aap-denies-allegation/story-ZCXtDMAKZt3xNEJuRu7JDK.html|archive-date=27 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In response, the AAP released a statement saying Prakash said he was answerable to the LG and not MLAs or the CM; the statement also said Prakash had "used bad language against some MLAs and [had] left without answering any questions".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/aap-mlas-assaulted-me-delhi-chief-secretary/article22810256.ece|title=AAP MLAs assaulted me: Delhi Chief Secretary|date=21 February 2018|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=10 October 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|others=Staff Reporter|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119}}</ref>

== Proceedings ==
[[File:The_Chief_Justice_of_India,_Justice_Shri_Dipak_Misra_during_the_24th_Foundation_Day_Function_of_the_National_Human_Rights_Commission_(NHRC),_in_New_Delhi_on_October_12,_2017_(cropped).jpg|left|thumb|[[Chief Justice of India]], [[Dipak Misra]] was a member of the five-judge [[Constitution bench (India)|constitution bench]] that presided over ''Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India & Another'']]
[[File:Inside_the_Supreme_Court_of_India._13.jpg|thumb|Building of the [[Supreme Court of India]]]]

In 2017, the supreme court heard arguments for fifteen&nbsp;days, beginning on 2 November{{Nbsp}}2017 and finishing on 5 December{{Nbsp}}2017.<ref name=":18">{{Cite news|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-supreme-court-reserves-judgement-on-pleas-on-delhi-centre-power-dispute-2565610|title=Supreme Court reserves judgement on pleas on Delhi-Centre power dispute|date=6 December 2017|work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|access-date=6 October 2018|publisher=Prashant Saxena|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|oclc=801791672|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013094710/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-supreme-court-reserves-judgement-on-pleas-on-delhi-centre-power-dispute-2565610|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":17" /><ref name=":19">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/key-arguments-in-delhi-govt-vs-l-g-case/article24327768.ece|title=Key arguments in Delhi govt vs L-G case|last=Rajagopal|first=Krishnadas|date=4 July 2018|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=6 October 2018|publisher=[[The Hindu Group]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705021456/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/key-arguments-in-delhi-govt-vs-l-g-case/article24327768.ece|archive-date=5 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On 6 December{{Nbsp}}2017, the court reserved its verdict on the matter.<ref name=":18" /><ref name=":20">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-reserves-for-verdict-on-delhi-centre-power-spat/article21281816.ece|title=SC reserves for verdict on Delhi-Centre power spat|date=6 December 2017|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=6 October 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|others=Legal Correspondent|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119}}</ref>

The Government of India (GoI) was represented by [[Additional Solicitor General of India|additional solicitor general]] Maninder Singh and former additional solicitor general and [[Senior counsel|senior advocate]] [[Sidharth Luthra]].<ref name=":17">{{Cite web|url=http://scobserver.clpr.org.in/court-case/special-status-of-delhi|title=Special Status of Delhi — Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India|website=Supreme Court Observer|access-date=6 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024035533/http://scobserver.clpr.org.in/court-case/special-status-of-delhi|archive-date=24 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) was represented by [[Indian National Congress]] member, former [[Union Council of Ministers|union minister]] and senior advocate [[P. Chidambaram]], former [[Solicitor General of India|solicitor general]] and senior advocate [[Gopal Subramanium]], senior advocate Satya Mitra, former additional solicitor general and senior advocate [[Indira Jaising]], senior advocate [[Rajeev Dhavan]] and senior advocate Shekhar Naphade.<ref name=":17" />

For GNCTD, Chidambaram argued that Delhi's lieutenant governor was not like a [[viceroy]] but just the president's representative and that his or her powers were dependent on the president's pleasure. Chidambaram also argued that per the [[Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991]], the LG was "required to act on the aid and advice" of the council of ministers of the Delhi government.<ref name=":19" /> Subramanium argued that the Delhi government was not debating the parliament's supremacy but said the legislative assembly also had "elbow room" in Delhi's governance, adding that the LG was misusing the powers assigned to his or her office to refer differences of opinion to the president. He also said the LG's extraordinary discretion was to be used in exceptional circumstances and not in day-to-day governance of Delhi<ref name=":19" /> and that the [[Chief secretary (India)|chief secretary]] and other officers did not exercise volition on the government's welfare schemes and proposals but simply used them to mechanically defer matters for the lieutenant governor's disposition.<ref name=":20" />

For the GoI, Singh argued that the Delhi government's role was limited to that of municipal governance, backing his argument up by saying the [[Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service]] and the [[Delhi Fire Service]] came under the GoI's jurisdiction rather than that of the Delhi government's. Singh also said that because Delhi did not have its own [[Public service commissions in India|public service commission]], it was not a state. Singh also argued that the GNCTD's executive powers were not binding on the lieutenant governor. Singh also said that because the Article{{Nbsp}}239AA of the [[Constitution of India]] came under the section for [[Union territory|union territories]], Delhi was a union territory.<ref name=":19" />

While hearing the case, the supreme court said Delhi's lieutenant governor had more powers than [[Governor (India)|state governors]], who were supposed to generally follow the aid and advice of the state chief minister-led council of ministers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/5WYNjHltxxN61TFyZNQCdJ/Delhi-LG-has-more-powers-than-governor-of-other-states-Supr.html|title=Delhi LG has more powers than governors of other states: Supreme Court|date=16 November 2017|work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Livemint]]|access-date=6 October 2018|publisher=Vivek Khanna|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103092106/https://www.livemint.com/Politics/5WYNjHltxxN61TFyZNQCdJ/Delhi-LG-has-more-powers-than-governor-of-other-states-Supr.html|archive-date=3 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Judgment ==

The supreme court ruled that according to the Article{{Nbsp}}239AA of the [[Constitution of India|Indian constitution]], although the government had to keep him or her informed of its decisions, Delhi's lieutenant governor had no independent decision-making powers and had to follow the aid and advice of the chief-minister-led council of ministers of the [[Government of Delhi]] on matters the [[Delhi Legislative Assembly]] could legislate on, viz., all items on the [[State List]] (items on which only state legislatures can legislate) and the [[Concurrent List]] (items on which both the [[Parliament of India]] and the state legislatures can legislate) barring police, public order and land.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/l-g-bound-by-aid-and-advice-of-elected-delhi-govt-says-sc/article24328937.ece|title=Lieutenant Governor bound by 'aid and advice' of elected Delhi govt., rules Supreme Court|last1=Rajagopal|first1=Krishnadas|date=4 July 2018|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=18 October 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|last2=Singh|first2=Soibam Rocky|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706204435/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/l-g-bound-by-aid-and-advice-of-elected-delhi-govt-says-sc/article24328937.ece|archive-date=6 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/arvind-kejriwal-delhi-lg-standoff-anil-baijal-supreme-court-narendra-modi-govt-5246127/|title=Delhi power tussle: Between the Supreme Court's lines|last=Mustafa|first=Faizan|date=5 July 2018|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=24 September 2018|publisher=[[Indian Express Group]]|location=New Delhi|oclc=70274541|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013062329/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/arvind-kejriwal-delhi-lg-standoff-anil-baijal-supreme-court-narendra-modi-govt-5246127/|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/supreme-court-to-delhi-lg-don-39-t-play-decision-maker-or-obstructionist/cid/1350050|title=Supreme Court to Delhi LG: Don't play decision-maker or obstructionist|date=4 July 2018|work=[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)|The Telegraph]]|others=TT Bureau|oclc=271717941|access-date=18 October 2018|agency=Agencies|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013053939/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/supreme-court-to-delhi-lg-don-39-t-play-decision-maker-or-obstructionist/cid/1350050|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/sc-verdict-on-power-tussle-in-delhi-explained/615094.html|title=SC verdict on power tussle in Delhi explained|last=Prakash|first=Satya|date=4 July 2018|website=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]|access-date=18 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013055331/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/sc-verdict-on-power-tussle-in-delhi-explained/615094.html|archive-date=13 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sc-verdict-on-aap-govt-vs-delhi-lg-key-points/articleshow/64851878.cms|title=Supreme Court verdict on AAP government vs Delhi LG: Key points|date=4 July 2018|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=25 September 2018|publisher=[[Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.]]|others=TIMESOFINDIA.COM|oclc=23379369|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107083927/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sc-verdict-on-aap-govt-vs-delhi-lg-key-points/articleshow/64851878.cms|archive-date=7 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The court added that on matters referred to him/her, the LG was bound to follow the orders of the president.<ref name=":5" />

Although the court ruled that the lieutenant governor still had the right to seek the president's opinion in case of a disagreement between him/her and the government, the president—who is bound by the aid and advice of the prime minister-headed [[Union Council of Ministers]]—would be the final authority in case of a conflict, with his or her opinion being binding on both the LG and the Delhi government, it cautioned the LG to use this power only in exceptional circumstances and not in a "routine or mechanical manner".<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /> The court, however, did not define what "trivial" differences in opinion meant.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-power-struggle-supreme-court-has-not-defined-trivial/article24333268.ece|title=Delhi power struggle: Supreme Court has not defined 'trivial'|date=4 July 2018|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=25 September 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|others=Legal Correspondent|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119}}</ref>

The court also ruled that "[t]here is no room for absolutism and there is no room for anarchism also" in the governance of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" />

At the same time, the supreme court—citing the report of the Balkrishnan Committee{{Nbsp}}of{{Nbsp}}1987—ruled that although having a special status, Delhi was not a state;<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/supreme-court-relies-on-1987-report-to-declare-delhi-is-not-a-state/article24332519.ece|title=Supreme Court relies on 1987 report to declare Delhi is not a State|last1=Rajagopal|first1=Krishnadas|date=4 July 2018|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=24 September 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|last2=Singh|first2=Soibam Rocky|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706223050/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/supreme-court-relies-on-1987-report-to-declare-delhi-is-not-a-state/article24332519.ece|archive-date=6 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> hence, unlike [[Governor (India)|state governors]], Delhi's lieutenant governor was not a mere [[Figurehead|constitutional figurehead]] but also bore the title of administrator.<ref name=":5" />

== Reactions ==
[[File:Arvind Kejriwal June 15, 2015 crop.jpg|left|thumb|Delhi's [[List of chief ministers of Delhi|chief minister]], [[Arvind Kejriwal]], called the judgment a "big victory" for the people of Delhi and democracy]]
[[File:Manoj_Tiwari.jpg|thumb|[[Member of parliament, Lok Sabha|Member of the Lok Sabha]] for [[North East Delhi (Lok Sabha constituency)|North East Delhi]], [[Manoj Tiwari (Delhi politician)|Manoj Tiwari]], asked Chief Minister Kejriwal to stop spreading anarchy "start following [the] constitution"]]

[[Arvind Kejriwal]], [[Aam Aadmi Party]] (AAP) convener and chief minister of Delhi welcomed the verdict and said on his Twitter account the ruling was a "big victory" for democracy and the people of Delhi.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-verdict-on-aap-vs-lg-who-said-what/articleshow/64852926.cms|title=Supreme Court verdict on AAP vs LG: What politicians said|date=4 July 2018|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=2 October 2018|publisher=[[Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.]]|others=TIMESOFINDIA.COM|location=[[New Delhi]]|oclc=23379369|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113173828/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-verdict-on-aap-vs-lg-who-said-what/articleshow/64852926.cms|archive-date=13 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> AAP member, [[List of deputy chief ministers of Delhi|Delhi's deputy chief minister]] and minister of finance and education [[Manish Sisodia]] said, "[o]n behalf of the people of {{Sic|Delhi I}} thank the [[hon'ble]] Supreme Court wholeheartedly. The people's chosen government can now take decisions for the people of Delhi."<ref name=":9" /> Sisodia also said the supreme court verdict "did not leave any chance for misinterpretation".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/aap-welcomes-supreme-court-for-july-4-verdict/article24648373.ece|title=AAP welcomes Supreme Court for July 4 verdict|date=10 August 2018|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=25 September 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|others=Staff Reporter|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119}}</ref>

[[National Democratic Alliance (India)|National Democratic Alliance]]'s largest constituent the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) said the opposite; one of its spokespersons [[Sambit Patra]] said the court verdict "upheld the constitution" and was "a decision against anarchy".<ref name=":9" /> Delhi BJP president and  [[Member of parliament, Lok Sabha|member of the Lok Sabha]] (House of the People) for [[North East Delhi (Lok Sabha constituency)|North East Delhi]] [[Manoj Tiwari (Delhi politician)|Manoj Tiwari]] asked Kejriwal to stop spreading anarchy and "start following [the] constitution".<ref name=":9" /> A nominated [[Member of parliament, Rajya Sabha|member of the Rajya Sabha]] (Council of the States) and BJP member [[Subramanian Swamy]] said that while the lieutenant governor had to follow Delhi government's decisions, he or she could still oppose any "anti-national security or ant-constitutional decision" of the government and labelled its political leadership a group of "{{Sic|[[Naxalite]] type}} people".<ref name=":9" />

Three-time Delhi chief minister [[Sheila Dikshit]], a member of  the [[Indian National Congress]] (INC), the largest constituent party of the [[United Progressive Alliance]], said, "[i]f the Delhi government and the lieutenant governor (LG) don't work {{Sic|together then}} Delhi will face problems".<ref name=":9" /> An INC spokesperson and a [[Senior counsel|senior advocate]], [[Abhishek Singhvi]] said the supreme court ruling was good "in principle", adding that there was no reason for the lieutenant governor to exercise discretion beyond his or her three reserved powers.<ref name=":9" />

[[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]] general secretary and [[Politburo of the Communist Party of India (Marxist)|politburo]] member [[Sitaram Yechury]] said there was no reason for governors and lieutenant governors to "usurp the rights of elected" governments, and that powerful governors and lieutenant governors appointed by the centre were in contravention with the constitution's federal structure.<ref name=":9" /> Former [[Attorney General of India|attorney general]] and a supreme court advocate [[Soli Sorabjee]] said the supreme court judgment was "good" and that the lieutenant governor and the Delhi government had to "work harmoniously", adding that regular confrontation between the two was "not good for democracy".<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/delhi-power-struggle-legal-experts-welcome-supreme-court-verdict/article24333143.ece|title=Delhi power struggle: Legal experts welcome Supreme Court verdict|date=4 July 2018|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=24 September 2018|publisher=[[N. Ram]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|issn=0971-751X|oclc=13119119|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705085907/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/delhi-power-struggle-legal-experts-welcome-supreme-court-verdict/article24333143.ece|archive-date=5 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Cite court|litigants=Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India & Another|court=[[Supreme Court of India]]|pinpoint=C. A. No. 2357 of 2017|date={{Start date|2018|07|04|df=y}}|url=https://www.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2016/29357/29357_2016_Judgement_04-Jul-2018.pdf}}

[[Category:2018 in Indian politics]]
[[Category:2018 in case law]]
[[Category:2018 in Indian law]]
[[Category:Supreme Court of India cases]]