SC to hear a plea on Delhi Services Ordinance by AAP government today

The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear the plea filed by the Delhi government challenging the constitutionality of the Delhi Services Ordinance today, July 4. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, will preside over the proceedings along with Justices Narshimha and Manoj Misra.

As per an official notification released by the Supreme Court of India, the plea is scheduled to be heard at 10:30am.

The Delhi government, which is led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), had previously deemed the decision to issue the ordinance as "illegal and unconstitutional." In their plea, they requested an immediate halt to the ordinance, arguing that it undermines the elected government's control over its civil services.

The AAP government announced plans to launch a phased campaign against the ordinance, with Arvind Kejriwal leading the effort by burning copies of the ordinance.

Also read: Supreme Court to hear AAP govt's plea on Centre's Delhi services ordinance

The Delhi government's petition contends that the ordinance exhibits contempt for the elected government while feigning involvement through the chief minister. They characterise the Centre's ordinance as unconstitutional, asserting that it violates the principles of federal, democratic governance enshrined in Article 239AA, which outlines the governance structure of Delhi, reported English Jagran.

The Centre introduced this ordinance on May 19 as a measure to curtail the powers of Delhi's elected government. It was issued shortly after the Supreme Court granted control of services in Delhi to the elected government, excluding matters related to police, public order, and land.

Also read: Delhi govt challenges Centre's ordinance over control of services in Supreme Court

The ordinance was enacted a week after the Supreme Court granted service control to the Kejriwal government, excluding police, public order, and land. Its objective is to establish a National Capital Civil Service, reported English Jagran.

While parties within the NDA alliance supported the ordinance, several other parties, including the AAP, rejected it. Arvind Kejriwal has been engaging with opposition parties across the country to garner support, claiming that the ordinance will undermine the country's federal structure.