LG tried to prevent Delhi govt. from presenting views in SC in MCD case: Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote a letter to the Lieutenant Governor.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused Lieutenant Governor (LG) V.K. Saxena on February 18, 2023 of trying to “forcibly” prevent the city government from presenting its views before the Supreme Court in a case involving the MCD, a day after the top court said aldermen cannot vote in the mayoral poll.

Mr. Kejriwal claimed that the central government-appointed Lieutenant Governor wished to appoint counsel for the latter and also the opposing party in the Supreme Court.

“Most actions taken by Hon’ble LG regarding MCD Mayor elections were brazenly illegal and unconstitutional. Was that the reason why Hon’ble LG wanted to prevent the truth being stated before Hon’ble SC? Such action of Hon’ble LG amounts to interference in administration of justice and criminal contempt. It lowers the dignity of the high office of Hon’ble LG, Sir,” the Chief Minister said in a letter to the L-G.

Also read: Constitution does not allow aldermen to vote in MCD elections: Supreme Court

“LG forced Delhi govt to appoint Tushar Mehta in MCD Mayor case in SC. So, Tushar Mehta represented both opposing parties - Del govt and LG. Isn’t this interference in administration of justice? Isn’t this a criminal act?” Mr. Kejriwal tweeted.

Mr. Kejriwal recommended to Lt Governor V K Saxena that the mayoral election be held on February 22.

This comes a day after the Supreme Court ordered issuance of a notice within 24 hours for convening the first meeting of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to fix the date of election for mayor, deputy mayor and members of the Standing Committee.