Supreme Court to Rule on Delhi Government's Plea Against LG's Power to Nominate Aldermen

The Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict on the Delhi government's plea challenging the lieutenant governor's authority to nominate aldermen in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The decision, reserved last year, could affect the functioning of the civic body's standing committee, which is crucial for key financial decisions.

The Supreme Court on Monday announced it may deliver its verdict this week on a plea filed by the Delhi government, questioning the lieutenant governor's power to nominate aldermen to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Last year, on May 17, the top court reserved its judgment on the Delhi government's challenge against LG V K Saxena's decision to nominate members without consulting the council of ministers. The bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, along with Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, mentioned the impending judgment during another petition hearing by MCD mayor Shelly Oberoi. The mayor seeks to allow the standing committee to perform its functions.

The plea highlights that the standing committee manages approvals for expenditures over Rs 5 crore, including the mid-day meal scheme. Currently, the 18-member committee is non-functional. Previously, the AAP-led Delhi government also challenged the LG's power, underscoring that traditionally nominations occur with the council’s advice. The judgment's outcome could reshape the administrative dynamics of Delhi's civic governance.