LG declares invalid panel of lawyers appointed by AAP govt; Kejriwal fumes

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 21

Lt Governor Anil Baijal has declared the panel of lawyers appointed by the Delhi government to represent its side in cases before the Delhi High Court “invalid” citing “procedural lapses”.

A fuming Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today came down heavily on Baijal saying he should do something constructive instead of rejecting every proposal of the AAP government. Terming the LG’s decision “illegal and unconstitutional”, Kejriwal said the LG should follow the constitution.

“All our advisors reject, all our lawyers reject, CCTV reject, doorstep delivery of ration reject. LG Sahib, do something constructive in life, everything is reject reject reject? (sic),” Kejriwal tweeted.

“LG does not have the power to reject any govt proposal Under constitution, LG can only express his difference of opinion. This rejection is completely illegal, unconstitutional and without jurisdiction. LG shud follow constitution (sic),” the Chief Minister added.

The panel scrapped by the LG included prominent lawyers like Indira Jaising, Rebecca Mammen John, Colin Gonsalves, among others.

In a written communication to Chief Secretary (CS) Anshu Prakash, LG’s Principal Secretary Vijay Kumar said the orders regarding the panel of lawyers had allegedly been issued without obtaining the approval of the LG in violation of the Section 44 (2) and (3) GNCTD Act.

Following which the CS has written to principal secretaries and secretaries, stating “Therefore, all concerned may kindly note that the said orders (regarding empanelment of lawyers) of November 29, 2017 and January 18, 2028 have not been validly issued in view of the material infirmities....”

The CS has also marked the copy of his order to pay and account offices of Delhi government for further action, resulting in non-payment to these lawyers.