Ordinance issue: SC issues notice to Centre on Delhi govt’s plea

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre on a plea of the Delhi government challenging the constitutional validity of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 issued by the Centre relating to control over bureaucrats. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices PS Narasimha sought a response from the Centre and posted the matter for hearing on July 17 to consider the prayer for a stay on the Ordinance. It also asked Delhi government to make Lieutenant Governor party in the case. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the Delhi government, referred to provisions such as Section 45K of the Ordinance saying that they are giving overriding powers to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and that the Ordinance was contrary to the pillars of the Supreme Court judgment.