NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday ordered a freeze on filing of any more pleading in a case related to control over services in ongoing tussle between the Centre and the Delhi government, after the Union government strongly objected to "rants" by the Arvind Kejriwal government.
A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice Hima Kohli noted that the recent Delhi government affidavit, filed by Delhi's deputy CM Manish Sisodia, was not necessary, when the Constitution bench has fixed the issue relating to disputes over 'services' between Delhi government and the Centre for hearing on November 24.
As senior advocate A M Singhvi on behalf of Delhi government mentioned the matter and referred to the recent affidavit, Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain for the Centre objected to the last-minute affidavit filed by the Delhi government.
Jain accused the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government of leaking the affidavit to the press.
It was a very incorrect practice and the affidavit showed political propaganda and it was shared with the press earlier than being filed, he contended.
Singhvi countered the allegation, saying, "I have not given a single copy to the press. We know how the press gets a copy.
He also claimed paralysis in administration in the national capital due to non-cooperation by bureaucrats with the AAP government.
On this, the bench said, "We will not ask for a reply now otherwise people will start filing affidavits till the last date. We will freeze the pleadings now and let the constitution bench take up the matter now.
The bench further said the Centre need not file any reply in the matter.
In its affidavit, the Delhi government has claimed has the Lieutenant-Governor has de facto created an unelected machinery of governance, which runs parallel to the elected government of NCT.
It also alleged, "Officials have stopped taking calls of ministers...are disobeying orders/ directions of ministers including orders/ directions that are in writing."
