1. Who are aldermen in the context of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)?
Aldermen are nominated members of the MCD who typically possess special knowledge or experience in municipal administration. They do not contest elections but are appointed to assist in the functioning of the municipal body.
2. What is the role of the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) in appointing aldermen?
The Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi has the power to nominate aldermen to the MCD. However, the extent of this power, whether it can be exercised independently or requires the aid and advice of the Delhi Cabinet, has been a point of legal contention.
3. What is the significance of the Supreme Court’s judgment on this matter?
The Supreme Court’s judgment will clarify whether the L-G can nominate aldermen without the consultation of the Delhi Cabinet. This decision has implications for the balance of power between the elected government and the L-G in Delhi.
4. Why did the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) challenge the L-G’s power to appoint aldermen?
The AAP argued that allowing the L-G to appoint aldermen without the Cabinet’s advice could undermine the authority of the democratically elected government and potentially destabilize the MCD’s functioning.
5. What was the Supreme Court’s preliminary observation in this case?
In May 2023, the Supreme Court orally commented that granting the L-G the power to appoint aldermen without consulting the Cabinet could give him undue influence over the MCD, potentially destabilizing the local governance.
6. How many aldermen can the L-G appoint to the MCD?
The L-G has the authority to appoint up to 10 aldermen to the MCD.
7. What are the potential outcomes of the Supreme Court’s judgment?
The Court may uphold the L-G’s power to appoint aldermen without the Delhi Cabinet’s advice, limit it, or rule that such appointments require the Cabinet’s involvement. The ruling will set a precedent for the administrative functioning of the MCD and the L-G’s role in it.
8. What is the broader impact of this case on Delhi’s governance?
The case addresses the balance of power between the elected government and the L-G, a recurring issue in Delhi’s governance. The outcome will affect how decisions are made in the capital’s administration.
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