Delhi Lt guv returns Service matter files to Delhi govt finally

New Delhi: Following the Supreme Court's order last week, the LG Secretariate returned Services matters files to the Delhi government, Raj Niwas informed. The files on Services are on transfers and postings of bureaucrats, PTI reported.

On Thursday, a 5-judge Constitutional bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandhrachud said that the elected legislatures have the power to control bureaucrats in the administration of services.

The Chief Justice explained that the principle of collective responsibility is affected if officers do not abide by the directions of ministers. The Constitution Bench tackled the question of who has administrative control over transfers and postings of bureaucrats in the capital, and they ruled that the Lieutenant Governor is bound by the elected government's decision on services and the aid and advice of the council of ministers.

However, the Lt Governor's powers do not include administration over the entire Delhi government. The Supreme Court emphasized that if a democratically elected government is not allowed to control its officers and hold them accountable, its responsibility towards the legislature and the public is diluted.

An official from the Raj Niwas said, "The LG Secretariat, in compliance with the Supreme Court Constitution Bench Judgment dated May 11, has returned files pertaining to Services matters back to the Government for necessary action."

The files include proposals for extension of the contractual tenure of staff in various Delhi Government Hospitals and acceptance of the resignation of a Group 'A' staff of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Hospital. These were sent to the LG for approval.

"These have been returned with the observation that the departments may be advised to take appropriate action/further necessary action, in light of the judgment of CB (Constitution Bench) in Supreme Court on May 11," the official added.