New Delhi, Dec 15 (DHNS): In a breather to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said an elected government should have some power to run the National Capital Territory otherwise the government cannot function.

A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Abhay Manohar Sapre shared the concern expressed by the AAP government in Delhi that due to constant turf war with Lieutenant Governor, the governance in Delhi has suffered.

The court, however, refused to pass any direction on plea by the Delhi government or stay the operation of the HC’s judgement making it compulsory to get nod from the Lieutenant Governor on every decision taken by it.

Senior advocate Rajeev Dhawan, appearing for the Delhi government, submitted in view of constant “interruption” by the Centre, it was not even able to engage lawyers to argue the case. “They have written to the registry in Supreme Court not to accept any vakalatnama from the designated counsel,” he contended.

Next hearing on Jan 18

The court, refusing to pass any order, said all these issues need to be considered and posted the case for hearing on January 18. It, however, told the counsel that he could continue to appear in the case.

Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar submitted that since 1950, it has been a settled position that all the Union Territories would be represented by the counsel appointed by the Centre. In the case of Delhi, it is unprecedented that the affidavits were being filed by the deputy chief minister and the minister, he contended.

Senior advocate Gopal Subramanium, also representing the Delhi government, submitted that about 400 files on the decisions taken by the Delhi government has been taken by the Shunglu committee, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, making it difficult for the government to function.