SC refuses to entertain Delhi govt’s plea against LG’s decision on bus marshal scheme

The Supreme Court Thursday refused to entertain the Delhi government’s plea challenging Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena’s decision to terminate the services of all civil defence volunteers working as marshals in DTC buses.

Saxena’s decision was one in a string of reasons for continued hostilities between the Arvind Kejriwal government and the lieutenant governor (LG).

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra took note of the submissions of senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the AAP government, and asked him move the Delhi High Court, which shall decide the petition expeditiously.

Video thumbnail

All good schemes shoring up the government’s popularity are being stalled, Singhvi said. “Does this (terminating services of marshals) fall under LG? How can he stop it?” the senior lawyer asked.

READ ALSO  Man sentenced to 7 years in jail for attempting to kill minor stepdaughter

“But why should we entertain it under Article 32 (of the Constitution)? Let the Delhi High Court deal with it. We have already dealt with constitutional matters (legal tussle between government and LG for control over services).

“The petition seeks re-operationalisation of the bus marshal scheme. In our view, the appropriate remedy would be to approach the High Court…In the event the petitioner approaches the high court, the high court shall take it up expeditiously,” the CJI said.

READ ALSO  Demolition Drive in UP | Supreme Court Refuses to Stay, Directs UP Govt to File Reply

The LG had on October 27 approved a proposal to terminate the services of all civil defence volunteers from November 1.

Saxena had also directed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to consider recruiting the civil defence volunteers whose services were terminated as home guards.

The development had come after the chief minister asked Delhi Home Minister Kailash Gahlot to appoint civil defence volunteers as home guards and depute them as bus marshals.

READ ALSO  Two-Judge SC Bench Gives Split Verdict on Centre’s Plea to Recall Order Allowing Married Woman to Terminate Pregnancy
Ad 20- WhatsApp Banner

Related Articles

Latest Articles