Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has approached the Supreme Court with a plea to grant the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) the authority to perform the functions of the Standing Committee until such time as the committee is officially formed.The development follows Oberoi's proposal, less than two weeks ago, to transfer the powers of the standing committee to the House. This proposal, made during a special MCD session, sparked opposition from BJP members, who deemed it "illegal and unconstitutional."The Leader of Opposition in the MCD and BJP leader Raja Iqbal Singh, said that the AAP government and Delhi Mayor have approached the Supreme Court to evade standing committee elections.He further stated that the AAP-led Delhi government fears dissatisfaction amongst its councillors, who may favour BJP candidates in the standing committee elections due to the AAP's "dictatorial attitude".The plea, naming the Lieutenant Governor's Office as the respondent, seeks direction for the smooth functioning of the civic body. It points out that on May 17, 2023, the top court reserved its verdict on a plea challenging the appointment of nominated individuals in the MCD without the aid and advice of the Delhi government.“The adjudication of the legality of the nominated persons’ appointments will directly and substantially impact the election of 12 out of 18 members of the Standing Committee, i.e. it will directly determine the special majority within it. Thus, the Standing Committee could not be constituted yet,” Oberoi said in her plea.
In her plea, Oberoi further said that amid this legal uncertainty, the operations of the Standing Committee have been disrupted, halting critical administrative functions such as the approval of contracts exceeding Rs 5 crore and other budgetary matters.
"The prevailing situation has affected a range of governance functions of the MCD, from the procurement of textbooks and medical supplies for MCD’s schools and health centres to the maintenance of public parks, public toilets, and other amenities," the plea said.
TAGS: Delhi Mayor Supreme Court Municipal Corporation of Delhi
