Union Cabinet approves Bill to replace Delhi Services Ordinance for control, posting of officers

New Delhi: In a major development, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a bill seeking to replace the Centre’s ordinance on regulation of services in Delhi. The Centre’s ordinance, issued on May 19, sought to overturn a Supreme Court order that had given executive powers to the Delhi government in service matters, including transfer and posting of officers.

This law was approved in the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening. Sources said the bill to replace the ordinance is expected to be introduced in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.

Ordinances are issued by the President on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet when Parliament is not in session. It is mandatory for the Parliament to adopt a law to replace the Ordinance within six weeks of the commencement of the next session.

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What is Delhi Service Ordinance?

The controversial Delhi Ordinance was promulgated by the central government on May 19, a week after the Supreme Court handed over control of services except police, public order and land in Delhi to the elected government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The ordinance facilitated the setting up of a National Capital Civil Services Authority for transfer and disciplinary proceedings of Group-A officers of DANICS cadre. Prior to the May 11 apex court verdict, transfers and postings of all officers of the Delhi government were under the executive control of the Lieutenant Governor.

AAP vs Center on Delhi ordinance

Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party had reacted strongly against the ordinance, saying the Center had “betrayed” the people of Delhi. Congress and many other opposition parties have also come out against the ordinance.

Kejriwal along with party-ruled Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had toured most of the non-NDA ruled states and met opposition leaders seeking their support against the law.
“It is a betrayal by the Supreme Court and the people of Delhi who have elected Kejriwal thrice as the chief minister.

AAP’s chief spokesperson and services minister Saurabh Bhardwaj had said, “He has no powers, but the LG, who is not even elected but imposed on the people, will have powers and through him the Center will keep an eye on what is happening in Delhi. This is contempt of court.”