NEW DELHI, July 22:
The appointment of Swati Maliwal as Chief of Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has become yet another flashpoint between AAP Government and Lt Governor Najeeb Jung who declared her nomination null and void, saying it did not have legal sanctity and was in violation of constitutional provisions.
Two days after 30-year-old Maliwal took charge of DCW, Jung’s office shot off a letter to the Chief Minister’s office saying the notification appointing her was “ultra vires and infructuous” as it does not have his approval.
Referring to a Home Ministry order, the LG’s office insisted that ‘Government’ meant the “Lieutenant Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi” appointed by the President, insisting that he was sole authority in deciding on major issues including appointment to top positions.
“The constitutionally valid consistent definition of Government is the Lieutenant Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi appointed by the President under Article 239 and designated as such under article 239 AA of the Constitution,” the LG’s office said.
The LG, who has been locked in a tussle with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over appointment and transfer of senior bureaucrats, declared that he does not recognise Maliwal’s appointment.
Maliwal had on Monday sought an urgent appointment with the Lt Governor to discuss the Anand Prabat murder case in with a 19-year-old girl was stabbed to death by two youths. The AAP Government has targeted the Delhi Police and the Centre over the incident, blaming them for the “ramshackle” law and order situation in the city.
On her part Maliwal today said she respects the “constitutionality” of LG’s office and hoped the “minor” issue will be resolved.
“I think this is a minor technical glitch because what is being said is that the file (my appointment) was not sent to LG’s office. I think it will get resolved. It is not a very major issue,” she told reporters.
Maliwal is wife of Aam Aadmi Party leader Navin Jaihind and has been an advisor to Kejriwal on public grievances and handles his Janta Samwad. She has been associated with the AAP chief since India Against Corruption (IAC) days.
“I have not received any communication from the LG’s office or the Delhi Government on the issue. I am doing my work. I will continue doing my work whether I remain in the post or not,” she said. (PTI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel