Supreme Court Setback For AAP In Tussle With Lt Governor To Control Delhi

In a big setback for the Aam Aadmi Party government, the Supreme Court today ruled that the Lieutenant Governor can nominate aldermen in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) without Delhi government's aid and advice.

The Lieutenant Governor's power to nominate members to the civic body is a statutory power and not an executive power, the bench said. The bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice PS Narasimha and Justice JB Pardiwala reserved its verdict in the matter last year. The Supreme Court's website earlier said Justice Narasimha will be pronouncing the verdict.

Justice Narasimha said Section 3(3)(b) of Delhi Municipal Corporation Act lays down that the Lieutenant Governor can nominate 10 persons not less than 25 years of age and with special knowledge or experience in municipal administration.