New Delhi: Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung on Sunday wrote to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asking him to withdraw orders regarding the routing of government files to the L-G’s office. In a letter sent on April 29, Kejriwal directed all departments under the Delhi government to not bother the office of the Lieutenant Governor to improve government efficiency.

However, referring to the Constitution, The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Act, 1991 and Transaction of Business Rules, Jung said the role of the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers is to aid and advise him.

“The Lt. Governor has informed the Chief Minister, drawing his attention to the relevant provisions of the Constitution, the GNCTD Act 1991 and Transaction of Business Rules 1993, which underscore the relationship between the Lt. Governor’s and the Chief Minister’s office…

“…that the role of the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers is to aid and advise the Lt. Governor where the latter is entitled to act solely on his own discretion and all files relating to matters for which Legislative Assembly can make law should come to the Lt. Governor for final approval,” a statement from the LG’s office said.

It also said, “The Lt. Governor has instructed that the directions issued to the officers be withdrawn. He has made it incumbent on all officers to follow the Constitution, GNCTD Act 1991 and the Transaction of Business Rules 1993, in letter and in spirit.”

As per news reports, the Chief Minister had asked all departments of the Delhi government not to “bother the office of the LG” by sending all files to him.

With respect to reserved subjects like public order, land and police, the files should be sent to LG through ministers concerned and through the Chief Minister’s Office, Mr Kejriwal had directed.