BackNajeeb Jung calls Swati Maliwal’s appointment as DCW head illegal
In a letter to the AAP-led govt, Jung questions the appointment's constitutional validity
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New Delhi: The Delhi government and the lieutenant governor (L-G) are set for another round of their turf war—this time it is over the appointment of Swati Maliwal as the head of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW).
In a letter to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government on Tuesday, L-G Najeeb Jung has called the appointment illegal and questioned its constitutional validity.
“As the notification in question has been issued without approval of the Lt. Governor, the competent authority, in breach of rules and procedures, the notification has no legal sanctity and any action taken by the Chairperson or any Member of the Commission, including quasi-judicial decisions, would be ultra vires and infructuous," the letter stated.
The letter added that all previous appointments of the DCW chief had been approved by the L-G. It said that the Delhi government had written to the L-G in January 2014 seeking removal of the former chairperson Barkha Singh.
“In view of the above, it is requested that the matter be submitted, at the earliest, for the consideration of the Hon’ble Lt. Governor," the letter said.
Maliwal took over as the new DCW chairperson along with members including Promila Gupta, Farheen Malik and Sarika Chaudhary.
“I think this is a minor technical glitch because what is being said is that the file (my appointment) was not sent to L-G’s office. I think it will get resolved. It is not a very major issue," said Maliwal,who is married to Haryana-based Aam Aadmi Party leader Navin Jaihind, on Wednesday.
The opposition has already alleged nepotism in the appointment of the DCW chief.
“We totally respect the constitutionality of the L-G’s office and will abide by any communication from him. In case the Delhi government decides to withdraw the notification of my appointment, we will abide by it," Maliwal said, hoping that the L-G will give his approval as “my credentials speak for my eligibility" for the post.
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