The Delhi government and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena have informed the Supreme Court that they have failed to decide on a name for the head of the electricity regulator, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC). Days after the Supreme Court asked them to rise above “political bickering” and decide on a name, the two sides told the apex court that they have “failed to reach a consensus on the appointment of the DERC chairman”.
The Supreme Court on Monday pulled up the Delhi government and the lieutenant governor, saying both the constitutional functionaries should get down to the “serious business of governance” away from the glare of publicity and decide on a name for the post of DERC chairman.
“two constitutional officials rise above political squabbling And he should suggest a name for the post of DERC chairperson. Should everything be run through the Supreme Court?” The Supreme Court asked, “With a degree of diplomacy and statesmanship, a solution can be found.”
Delhi’s chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and LG VK Saxena sit at Raj Nivas to choose candidates. The meeting lasted for an hour but they “failed to reach a consensus”.
The post of DERC chairman is important as the regulator fixes the electricity tariff in the national capital. The post has been lying vacant since January amid differences between the AAP government and the Lt Governor’s office over the new appointment.
Arvind Kejriwal In January it recommended the name of retired High Court judge Rajeev Kumar Srivastava, who later recused himself citing personal reasons. Later, he recommended the name of retired Justice Sangeet Lodha. Meanwhile, the Center through a notification appointed Justice Umesh Kumar (retd) to the post, officials said.
The AAP government opposed the appointment, calling it “illegal and unconstitutional” and moved the Supreme Court.
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Updated: July 20, 2023, 02:45 PM IST