Delhi LG directs officials to submit pending files delayed by AAP govt within 3 days

Lt Governor of Delhi VK Saxena on Thursday ordered officials to submit outstanding files that the AAP government had delayed within three days, citing Rule 19(5) of the ToBR of the GNCTD, 1993.
These files, which concern courts, judicial infrastructure, quick justice delivery, and the Capital’s justice administration system, have been pending with Minister (Law), GNCTD, for as long as six months.

“Delhi LG, VK Saxena, upon being apprised of inexplicable delays caused by the AAP Government in clearing files and proposals pertaining to courts, judicial infrastructure, expeditious justice delivery and the justice administration system in the Capital, has invoked Rule 19(5) of ToBR of GNCTD, 1993, and directed that all such files be submitted to him for decision within 3 days,” a press release from the LG Office said.

The Special Secretary wrote to the Lieutenant Governor on December 7, 2023, stating, “On December 4, 2023, Lt Govenor received a report under 45 J(4) of the GNCTD Act, 1991, from the Principal Secretary (Law).” It has been noted in this report that the Law Department has been submitting numerous significant proposals to the Delhi High Court and District Courts, which have been pending for the last four to five months for the Hon’ble Minister of Law’s consideration.”

In line with the efforts of the e-committee, the Supreme Court, to implement technological innovations in the administration of justice, the letter also mentioned that, according to the previously mentioned report, 18 such files are still pending. These files include a variety of proposals regarding the acquisition of technical equipment for the Delhi District Courts, which is essential for a more effective, responsive, and efficient legal system.

“Lt Governor has taken a very serious view of the pendency of such a large number of important proposals relating to courts and judicial administration with the Minister (Law), GNCTD, without any reason, which is creating barriers in the administration of justice in the capital of the country affecting the general public,” the letter continued.
The letter also stated that, in accordance with Rule 19(5) of the Transaction of Business of the Government of the NCT of Delhi, 1993, the Lieutenant Governor has asked that the outstanding files be submitted for his review within three days.

“In view of the fact that certain proposals relating to judicial infrastructure are being monitored by the Supreme Court and the High Court of Delhi, the Lt Governor has desired that the files and proposals as detailed in the enclosed report, which are still pending with the Minister (Law), shall be submitted for his perusal or consideration under Rule 19(5) of the Transaction of Business of the Govt of NCT of Delhi, 1993, within three days,” the letter stated.

The files contain, among other things, proposals for building the District Court Complex in Rohini, the Lawyers’ Chamber at Rouse Avenue Court, the State and District Legal Services Authority, the appointment of a “Official Receiver,” the creation of panels of GNCTD in DVAT/GST/Tribunal/District Courts, and a file on “enhancement of allowances to retired Chief Justice and Judges of Delhi High Court,” among other thing