The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, after witnessing a marathon six hours of debate.
Key Points
Increased authority for the Lieutenant Governor (LG): The bill aims to confer greater authority upon the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi by granting them final say in matters related to transfers and postings of Delhi government employees. This is in contradiction to a previous Supreme Court ruling that vested control over administrative services with the Delhi government.
Reversal of Supreme Court Decision: The bill seeks to overturn a Supreme Court ruling from May that granted substantial administrative control to the Delhi government.
Opposition and protests: The bill has faced strong opposition from various political quarters, including the Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Opposition parties have also voiced their dissent, and protests against the bill have been witnessed during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Legal challenge: The AAP government has chosen to challenge the ordinance in the Supreme Court, exposing the underlying conflict between the central and local administrations in Delhi.
Federalism debate: The introduction of the bill has triggered discussions on the intricate balance of power between the central and state governments, as well as the principles of federalism enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Parliamentary Debates: its introduction has sparked vigorous debates in both Houses of Parliament, with members of various political parties expressing their viewpoints on the potential consequences of the legislation. The bill’s impact on Delhi’s political structure, as well as its implications for other states, has been a significant area of concern.
