Row Over Services: Will Examine If Parliament Can Abrogate C

Card image

Row Over Services: Will Examine If Parliament Can Abrogate Constitutional Principles Of Governance For Delhi, Says Supreme Court

By Team EOS |

The Supreme Court has said a five-judge constitution bench will examine whether Parliament can “abrogate the constitutional principles of governance” for the Delhi government by making a law to take away its control over services. The Centre recently issued an ordinance on the Delhi services matter by exercising its powers under Article 239-AA, a special provision in the Constitution pertaining to the national capital.

The top court, which on Thursday referred to a constitution bench the :
(i) What are the contours of the power of Parliament to enact a law under Article 239-AA(7); and (ii) Whether Parliament in the exercise of its power under Article 239-AA(7) can abrogate the constitutional principles of governance for the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD),” said the order passed by a bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices P S Narasimha and Manoj Misra.

A 10-page order, penned by the CJI, said there were two preliminary issues which arose for the consideration by a larger bench.

 

“The first is on the import of Section 3A (of the ordinance). Section 3A removes Entry 41 (services) of List II (State List) from the legislative competence of the NCTD. On the exclusion of Entry 41 from the NCTD’s legislative power, the government of the NCTD ceases to have executive power over services because executive power is co-terminus with the legislative power,” the order said.

The issue, therefore, is whether a law could completely remove Delhi government’s executive power over services, it said, adding that the aspect of services under Entry 41 was also “interconnected with the validity of Section 3A” of the ordinance.

 

While referring the Delhi government’s plea to the constitution bench, it had rejected the vehement submission of the city dispensation that there was no need for referring the matter to a constitution bench as it will “paralyse the whole system” during its pendency.

On Thursday, the bench raised a  raised a query with regard to the ordinance and said it took away the control of services from the control of the Delhi government.

The Constitution excludes three entries of List II (State List) related to police, law and order and land from the control of the Delhi government, it said.

 
“What you (Centre) have effectively done is that the Constitution says barring three entries, Delhi legislative assembly has the power. But, the ordinance takes away Entry 41 (services) (of the List II) also from the power. That is the effect of Section 3A of the ordinance,” the bench said.
The bench had recently issued notices to the Centre and the Delhi lieutenant governor on the plea while refusing to grant an interim stay on the ordinance on control over services in the national capial.

 

Article 239AA deals with special provisions with respect to Delhi in the Constitution and its sub-article 7 says, “Parliament may, by law, make provisions for giving effect to, or supplementing the provisions contained in the foregoing clauses and for all matters incidental or consequential thereto.”

It also says any such law made under the article “shall not be deemed to be an amendment of this Constitution for the purposes of Article 368 notwithstanding that it contains any provision which amends or has the effect of amending, this Constitution.”

The Centre had on May 19 promulgated the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, to create an authority for transfer and posting of Group-A officers in Delhi.
Source
Latest News Latest Supreme Court

Latest Posts

Card image

Legal Challenges in Remote Work : Solicitors' Guide

Introduction: As remote work continues to redefine the modern workplace, it brings with it a host of legal considerations that businesses and employees must navigate. From data protection to employment law and contractual obligations, the shift to remote work presents ...

Card image

2020 Delhi Riots: SC Dismisses Delhi Police’s Pleas Against HC Verdicts Granting Bail To Three Student Activists

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the pleas filed by the Delhi Police against the bail granted to three student activists in the 2020 North East Delhi riots case. A bench of Justices S K Kaul and A Amanullah passed the order ...

Card image

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐮𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫

Why Legal Due Diligence is Crucial Before Any Business Merger 📢 Planning a merger or acquisition? Don’t skip legal due diligence—it can make or break the deal! Here’s why: 🔎 What is Legal Due Diligence?It’s a comprehensive review of a ...

Card image

Corporate Social Responsibility and Legal Obligations - Navigating the Legal Aspects of CSR Initiatives

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved from a voluntary initiative to a crucial component of modern business strategy. In today's globalized economy, companies are expected to contribute positively to society while maintaining profitability. However, CSR is not just about corporate ...

Card image

FEMA Regulations Simplified: A Guide for NRIs and Businesses

FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) governs cross-border financial transactions in India. Whether you’re an NRI or a foreign company, understanding FEMA is crucial to ensure compliance. ✅ 🔑 Key Areas Covered by FEMA🔹 Investment: Rules for NRIs & foreign investors ...

Card image

Repatriation of Funds and Investments: Legal Guidelines for NRIs

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), repatriating funds and investments back to their country of residence is a crucial aspect of financial management. However, navigating the legal landscape can be complex. Here are essential guidelines NRIs should follow to ensure smooth and ...

EOS Chambers of Law

Speak With Our
Experts Today!

Get a Appointment
EOS Chambers of Law