In a democracy, President’s rule can’t go on forever: SC on Delhi govt formation

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up the Centre and the Delhi lieutenant governor for delay in taking decisions regarding government formation.

“Delhi’s lieutenant governor should have taken decision on government formation at the earliest and should not have taken five months time,” the Supreme Court said.

“In a democracy, President’s Rule can’t go on forever. Have given enough time, nothing has happened. People of Delhi have the right to a government,” the Supreme Court said.

“We gave you enough time but nothing happened and you always make one statement or other on the day of hearing,” the Supreme Court said.

“Suppose lieutenant governor is going to invite the largest party (BJP). Are they in a position to form the government?” the apex court enquired, apparently making a reference to the number of legislators the BJP has in the Delhi assembly.

The court said that “our understanding was to give time to the lieutenant governor to decide. If you had told us that we cannot take decision, we may have heard the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) petition and decided the matter either way”.

“With greatest respect at our command we feel the government should have taken the decision earlier. All of us know that the matter is pending before the court and time has been given to decide.”