Centre insulted SC, will challenge Delhi ordinance, says Arvind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI: The showdown over the Centre’s new ordinance diluting the powers of the Delhi government on transfers and posting of officers escalated on Saturday with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saying the city government will challenge the ordinance in the Supreme Court.

In a press conference, the Aam Aadmi Party chief said the ordinance is a direct contempt of the Supreme Court order and an insult to the top court.

“It is the Centre’s ugly joke on democracy,” Arvind Kejriwal said, hours after his government’s executive power in services matters, including the transfer and posting of officers, was curtailed by the BJP-led Union government.

“Why did the Centre file a review petition? The Centre is challenging the Supreme Court. We will challenge the ordinance,” Kejriwal said.

The Centre promulgated an ordinance on Friday to create a National Capital Civil Service Authority for transfer of and disciplinary proceedings against IAS and DANICS cadre officers.

This came a week after the Supreme Court handed over control of services, excluding those related to police, public order and land, to the elected government in Delhi.

The National Capital Civil Service Authority will comprise the Delhi chief minister as its chairperson, along with the chief secretary and the principal home secretary, who will be the member secretary to the authority.