Delhi’s Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung on Wednesday reiterated his executive powers and authority over administering the affairs of the capital city vis-a-vis the authority and powers to be exercised by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal under the Constitution.
A Raj Niwas release issued a short while ago said that the Lt. Governor’s office was aware of the “differing reports circulating in the media and a number of queries made by the press,” and found it necessary to issue the following clarification:
“The Raj Niwas has received copies of some orders and communications in the past few days, having bearing on the transaction of the government business and the respective spheres of functioning assigned to the Lt. Governor and the Hon’ble Chief Minister under the Constitution of India. These orders and communications have tended to obfuscate the special position that Delhi has, as the National Capital, which is significantly different from other States. Delhi is a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly and not a State, and therefore, has important points of distinction. It is therefore necessary to issue these clarifications.”
The release further stated that the Lt. Governor has responded to each of the above orders and communications and has clarified the constitutional and legal position to the chief minister.
Through the release, Jung listed the various instances of disconnect between his office and that of the office of the chief minister, and said “the Lt. Governor alone is competent to approve transfer and posting of Pr. Secretary/Secretary level officers, in consultation with the Chief Minister. This is so prescribed under order no. F. 57/3/94-S.I dated 09.04.1994 which holds even today.”
Referring to the chief minister’s order of May 17 principal secretaries in the Government to put up all files, including even those in which the Lt. Governor has exclusive jurisdiction, the Lt. Governor clarified the constitutional position wherein he was required under the Constitution and through the delegation of powers made to him by the Hon’ble President of India, to act in his executive capacity, in his discretion, in consultation with the Chief Minister where deemed necessary.
Jung also said through the release that the removal of Anindo Majumdar as Principal Secretary (Services) was purportedly not as per the Constitution and law and would not be acted upon. (ANI)