Lt Governor Najeeb Jung is administrative head of NCT, rules HC. AAP govt to move to SC

The Delhi High Court on 4 August ruled that Lt Governor Najeeb Jung is the administrative head of the National Capital Territory.

The High Court pronounced the verdict on a set of 11 petitions challenging various decisions of the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government and Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and the interpretation of Article 239AA of the Constitution.

The Delhi government now plans to take the legal battle to the Supreme Court.

Kejriwal had accused the Centre of trying to run the capital through Jung. The Delhi High Court holds that no action can be taken by the ACB against central government officials.

The AAP government's contention that the LG is bound to act on the advice of council of ministers is without any substance and cannot be accepted, the High Court observed.

The High Court further observed that Lt Governor is not bound to act as per advise of Delhi cabinet and Council of Ministers cannot take decision without referring to Lt Governor first. Article 239 continues to remain applicable and that makes Delhi, Union territory.

Kejriwal had challenged a note by the Lieutenant Governor directing officers not to follow the AAP government's orders. Delhi government had also argued in court that there cannot be two reporting authorities.