BJP-Led Government Approaches Supreme Court for Case Dismissal
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Delhi Government moved the Supreme Court of India seeking to withdraw seven legal cases filed during the tenure of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regime. These cases challenged the authority of the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) over various administrative matters, including solid waste management and the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh heard the preliminary motion and agreed to list the matter for Friday, May 23, 2025, for further proceedings.
Delhi Government Aims to End Long-Standing Legal Battle
The application was presented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who informed the bench that the Delhi Government seeks to drop the cases that questioned the L-G’s powers across various statutory committees and administrative functions.
“These matters should not trouble this court anymore,” Bhati stated, indicating the current government’s intent to close legal chapters initiated by the previous administration.
Justice Surya Kant responded affirmatively, saying, “We will list all these cases for Friday and take up the application.”
Backdrop: Yamuna Rejuvenation and Committee Dispute
Among the key cases slated for withdrawal is one in which the AAP government had challenged a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order issued in January 2023. The order appointed the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi as the chairperson of a high-level committee tasked with coordinating efforts to clean and rejuvenate the heavily polluted Yamuna River.
In July 2023, the Supreme Court had issued a stay on the NGT directive, agreeing to examine the Delhi Government’s contention that the move undermined elected representatives’ authority.
The NGT had defended its decision, citing data that 75% of Yamuna pollution occurs within Delhi’s jurisdiction. “We request the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, who is the chairman of DDA and the administrator of Delhi under Article 239 of the Constitution, to head the committee,” the Tribunal stated.
Scope of Withdrawn Cases
The seven cases in question include:
- Legal disputes over solid waste management jurisdiction
- Opposition to the L-G chairing statutory bodies
- Challenges to the validity of Ordinances and Acts issued under the L-G’s oversight
- Specific environmental governance matters, including the Yamuna pollution task force
These cases had been part of a broader power struggle between the Delhi Government and the Lieutenant Governor’s office, particularly during the AAP’s tenure.
Political Shift Driving Legal Realignment
This legal move comes after a significant political shift in Delhi’s governance, with the BJP now in control of the state administration. The withdrawal of these cases is being viewed as a strategic alignment of administrative authority with the Central Government and an attempt to remove legal roadblocks created by previous political confrontations.
Analysts suggest that the BJP’s decision also reflects its intent to present a more cooperative image between state and central institutions, particularly in environmental and infrastructure development matters.
Next Steps in Supreme Court
The bench will hear the application for withdrawal on May 23, 2025. If approved, the cases will be dismissed, and the Lieutenant Governor’s expanded role in Delhi’s governance—including environmental oversight—will go unchallenged legally.
Legal experts are watching closely, as this could set a precedent for future state-Centre power disputes, particularly in Union Territories like Delhi.
