The BJP-led Delhi government has begun withdrawing legal cases filed by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regime against the Centre and the Lt Governor (LG) over governance and administrative matters, official sources confirmed on Wednesday.
Move for Constitutional Harmony
Sources stated that the decision was taken “in the interest of constitutional harmony” between the Delhi government, the Centre, and the LG’s office. Appropriate applications are being filed before the courts to withdraw these cases.
Key Cases Being Withdrawn
Among the cases withdrawn is a special leave petition filed by the AAP government in the Supreme Court, challenging a high court order for implementing the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) scheme in Delhi. The new government has decided to implement the scheme and, therefore, withdrew the petition.
Additionally, cases challenging the amendment to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Act, 1991, which granted the Lt Governor control over Services matters, are also being withdrawn.
Another withdrawn case involves AAP’s challenge to the formation of high-powered committees by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for cleaning the Yamuna and removing garbage mountains at Delhi’s landfills.
AAP’s Legal Battle Against the Centre
Since coming to power in 2015, the AAP government was engaged in a continuous legal battle with the BJP-led Centre and the LG’s office. Even after the Supreme Court upheld Delhi’s Union Territory status in 2018, disputes over bureaucratic transfers, law enforcement, and LG’s powers continued in court.
AAP also filed cases against several senior bureaucrats and department heads amid power tussles with the Centre.
Government’s Justification for Withdrawal
Officials cited that withdrawing these cases would help avoid delays in governance, save legal resources, and ensure smooth implementation of government programs. The BJP government is also likely to request early hearings in courts to expedite the withdrawal process.
The move signals a significant shift in Delhi’s political and administrative approach, aiming to reduce conflicts and improve governance efficiency.
