Who governs Delhi: SC answers a question that has been asked for decades

Know the administrative history of Delhi, spanning from pre-independence to the July 2018 SC verdict

BS Web Team  |  New Delhi 

What was Delhi up to before Independence?
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Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Before 1911, when the capital was Calcutta (now Kolkata), Delhi was a part of the Punjab province. It was made the capital in 1911,  to be governed by a Chief Commissioner.

Was administering Delhi non-controversial before independence?
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Not really. There was of lack of coordination between various central government departments in knowing and resolving the needs of the people of Delhi. This led to the constitution of Sitaramayya Committee in 1947. The committee recommended Delhi to function under a appointed by the President. The LG would act on the advice of the Centre.

Delhi administration post independence, till 1956
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Post-independence, Delhi was made a type C state to be governed under the Chief Commissioner. Delhi's state assembly came into existence in 1952, with Chief minister Chaudhary Brahm Prakash and the council of ministers to advise the commissioner. The Chief Minister then did not have powers on police, land, sanitation and municipal authorities.

Delhi administration b/w 1956-1966
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The assembly and chief minister post were scrapped with the enactment of State Reorganization Act, 1956, and Delhi was made a Union Territory under the direct administration of the President of India. Subsequently, the Municipal Corporation was formed in Delhi.

Delhi administration b/w 1966-1990
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In 1966, the assembly was replaced by Delhi Metropolitan Council with 56 elected and five nominated members. The council had no legislative powers, only an advisory role to the LG, who was at the helm of the administration.

Delhi administration post 1990, till present
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Article 239AA was introduced. Delhi was constitutionally given the title of “Capital Territory of Delhi” that would be administered by an LG. The LG would be appointed by the President and a Legislative Assembly was to be constituted. A council of Ministers to advise the LG were to be formed. The LG was not bound to consult the council of ministers only in cases related to land, police and public order.

The latest SC verdict on Delhi statehood
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The government, since the time it has been elected, has been at loggerheads with the LG over a number of issues related to governance. The Delhi HC had ruled against and said that Delhi was a Union Territory and the LG was not bound to act on the aid and advice of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. This was challenged in the by the  The in its verdict has held now does not have independent decision-making powers and is bound to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.
 


First Published: Wed, July 04 2018. 14:06 IST