Syed Ali Ahmed | India Tomorrow
NEW DELHI, JULY 19—Once again tussle has begun between the Delhi government and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi over the appointment of special public prosecutors for representing the state government in the court in Delhi riot cases of riots in which 53 people were killed while hundreds of others sustained injuries.
Acting Delhi Home Minister Manish Sisodia and LG Anil Baijal had a meeting on Friday to discuss the issue of advocates’ appointment but it could not be resolved. According to sources, LG asked Sisodia to give approval for the panel of advocates selected by the Delhi Police but Sisodia refused to accept LG’s proposals. Both rejected each other’s proposals.
The sources said that Sisodia told LG as Delhi Police is an investigating agency in all cases of rioting, panel of advocates should be of Delhi government so that victims could get justice. Sisodia was adamant for giving approval to the panel of advocates selected by the Delhi state government.
The sources said that following the meeting, LG wrote a letter to the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asking him to reject the panel of advocates selected by Sisodia. He also said that this should be done in the cabinet meeting and give approval to the panel of advocates selected by the Delhi Police.
This is to remember that on the direction of Union Government, Delhi Police has selected a panel of six advocates including Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta and Aman Lekhi to represent in 85 cases of rioting and protests against CAA and NRC. The list has been sent to the High Court and the Supreme Court. The Union government wants appointment of advocates of its choice to argue riot cases and cases pertaining to protest against CAA and NRC in Delhi High Court and Supreme Court.
Rejecting LG proposal, Sisodia said that Delhi government’s advocates Rahul Mehra and his team is competent enough to fight for justice to riot victims and those arrested in protest cases.
Using special power given to LG, Baijal demanded Delhi government’s file in connection with the advocates appointment. LG did this following adamant attitude of Sisodia.
Earlier, LG had asked the Delhi government to appoint a panel of 11 advocates recommended by the Central government in 750 cases of rioting registered by the Crime Branch and the Special Cell of Delhi Police. This was opposed by the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. But finally the Union government had appointed advocates selected by the Delhi Police by using special power of LG.
Sources said the union government might again use special powers of LG to appoint advocates selected by the Delhi Police.
