The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Sanjeev Narula, has scheduled a hearing for December 9 on a petition by BJP MLAs, led by Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta, demanding that certain Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports be presented before the Delhi Assembly. These reports cover critical issues such as liquor duties, pollution, and financial audits.
The plea seeks immediate action, emphasizing the urgency as the current Assembly session is due to conclude on December 4. Despite this, the Delhi government’s counsel, Senior Advocate Sudhir Nandrajog, reassured that the assembly could be reconvened by the lieutenant governor, stating, “This is not the last session and is not even the last assembly in Delhi. The term of the Assembly is till February and the convening of the session is with the LG.”
During a recently advanced hearing date from December 9 to December 2, Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing the BJP MLAs, argued that the Delhi government has breached its statutory duty by not promptly tabling crucial CAG reports. He highlighted the significance of these reports that span topics from environmental pollution to public health and financial integrity.
According to the petition, there are eight CAG reports from the years 2022 to 2024 that have not been tabled. These reports include detailed audits on air pollution, revenue, economic activities, social and general sectors, PSUs, children in need of care and protection, liquor regulation, and public health—all pending with the city government.
The CAG has formally responded, citing that it has repeatedly urged the principal secretary (finance) to lay these reports before the Legislative Assembly as mandated by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Act.
The plea highlights a continued inaction despite multiple requests and reminders to the chief minister, who is also the finance minister, and other key officials. It stresses that despite the LG’s directives, these reports have remained untabled, undermining the legislative oversight and transparency required by law.
