Supreme Court Verdict on MCD: Implications for AAP Governance

The Supreme Court's decision upholding the lieutenant governor's power to nominate aldermen to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) could affect the AAP government's functioning. The ruling specifies that the LG can nominate aldermen without council advice, impacting the standing committee responsible for significant financial decisions.

The Supreme Court's verdict reaffirming the lieutenant governor's authority to nominate aldermen to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is likely to have widespread repercussions. The AAP-led Delhi government may face challenges in securing funds for civic projects, given the influence of nominated members on the standing committee.

On Monday, the top court dismissed the Delhi government's plea contesting the LG's power to appoint 10 aldermen. The court noted that the amended Delhi Municipal Corporation Act permits the LG to act independently of the council of ministers' advice.

This ruling underscores the ongoing tension between the LG's office and the AAP government, particularly over the functioning of the MCD's standing committee, which plays a critical role in approving large-scale financial projects.

(With inputs from agencies.)