Delhi govt moves SC against NGT order naming L-G as chief of HLC on Yamuna

AMID A LINGERING CONFLICT BETWEEN CENTRE AND AAP GOVT

The Delhi government has moved the Supreme Court against an order of the National Green Tribunal naming Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena as the chairperson of the High-Level Committee (HLC) on Yamuna, amid a lingering conflict between the Centre and the national Capital's AAP dispensation.

Noting that substantial work remains unexecuted for the rejuvenation of river Yamuna, the NGT had formed a High-Level Committee and requested the lieutenant governor of Delhi to head the committee.

Contending that the L-G is only a "figurehead" except for three subjects-police, public order and land - the plea before the top court has sought directions to set aside the NGT's order.

Referring to the recent judgement of the top court on the administrative services row between the Centre and the Delhi government, the plea stated the effect of the NGT's orders cannot be to confer executive powers on an authority that cannot, under the constitutional scheme, be conferred on it and is instead vested with the elected government.

"It is submitted that the issues concerning the present appeal are within the domain of the legislative powers conferred upon the Legislative Assembly and do not fall within any exception as laid down in the Constitution.