The Delhi government’s case citing Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena’s delay in selecting the DERC chairman was adjourned until May 19 by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.
After senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, representing the lieutenant governor, requested time to respond, Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, Justices P S Narasimha, and J B Pardiwala postponed the case.
During the brief hearing, Rohatgi requested time to respond to the Delhi government’s appeal, saying the LG office was reviewing the supreme court’s Delhi-Centre administrative issue ruling.
Senior attorney Abhishek Singhvi, representing the AAP administration, argued that the recent highest court ruling that the Delhi government controls all services except public order, police, and land covers the matter.
“These are delaying tactics,”
Singhvi submitted LG V K Saxena has been stalling because he needs legal advice to determine if the Delhi High Court Chief Justice must approve the appointment.
Singhvi cited Section 84(2) of the Electricity Act, which requires consultation with the chief judge of the parent high court of the candidate.
Then-deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia wrote to Saxena on January 10 to swiftly clear the DERC chairman’s appointment amid the LG’s office dispute.
Justice (Retd) Rajeev Shrivastava was appointed DERC chair by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal before.
Sisodia said that the Lt Governor has not approved the suggested office-bearer even though DERC Chairman Justice (Retd) Shabihul Hasnain’s mandate has expired.
