SC Upholds L-G’s Power to Nominate Aldermen

Context

Recently, the Supreme Court of India upheld the power of the Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) to nominate aldermen.

Aldermen

• They are people nominated by the L-G under Section 3 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 (DMC Act).
• They should be above 25 years of age and possess specific knowledge or experience in municipal management.
• Although aldermen do not have balloting rights in Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) conferences, they serve on the Wards Committee inside their respective regions, and play an important function within the MCD’s functioning.

Wards Committees and MCD Standing Committee

• Delhi is divided into 12 regions, each with its Wards Committee. The aldermen are part of those committees, along with elected representatives.
• The Wards Committees play a crucial role in MCD governance.
• Each Wards Committee elects a member to enroll in the MCD Standing Committee at some point of its first meeting.
• Aldermen participate in those elections and might stand as candidates for members in the Standing Committee.

Importance of the Standing Committee

• While the Mayor is the nominal head of the MCD, the Standing Committee successfully manages the organization’s capabilities.
• It cannot be constituted without the participation of aldermen inside the vote casting process.
• The remaining six contributors of the Standing Committee are at once chosen by means of the MCD house after mayoral elections.

Lieutenant Governor

• A lieutenant governor serves as the constitutional head of 5 of India’s eight union territories. 
• The President of India appoints the lieutenant governor for a 5-yr term, and that they serve on the President’s pleasure. 
• Responsibilities: The LG is the constitutional head of the UT, representing the President of India. Their function is essentially ceremonial, just like that of a Governor in a state.

1. 1. The LG activities govt powers on the useful resource and advice of the Council of Ministers, headed through the Chief Minister. However, they’ve discretionary powers in certain topics, which includes regulation and order, land, and police, that can result in conflicts with the elected authorities.
   2. The LG can summon, prorogue, and dissolve the Legislative Assembly. They also can reserve positive payments for the President’s attention.
   3. The LG is accountable for the management of the UT and might rent directors for several departments.

Source: The ToI

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any, that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and institution of Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian Federal Politics? (2016)