The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor’s (LG) office following a petition by Delhi Municipal Corporation Mayor Shelly Oberoi. The court asked the LG office to respond within two weeks and warned that exercising executive powers under the MCD Act to conduct elections would endanger democracy.
Challenge to Election Process
Mayor Oberoi challenged the election of the sixth member of the MCD Standing Committee, calling it illegal. She alleged that the election was conducted by ignoring rules and laws. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) boycotted the election, which resulted in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Sundar Singh Tanwar’s victory. AAP claimed the process violated the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act.
Supreme Court’s Warning
The court warned the LG office not to proceed with the elections for the chairman of the MCD Standing Committee. It stated that it would take the matter seriously if elections were held. The petition argued that the election should have been conducted under the mayor’s chairmanship, citing the Delhi Municipal Corporation Procedure and Business Conduct Regulation 1958.
Oberoi’s petition demanded a time-bound formation of the MCD government and questioned the voting rights of nominated councillors (Aldermen). Out of 249 councilors, only 115 participated, with AAP and Congress members boycotting the vote.
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