Lok Sabha Passes Government of NCT Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Replacing Delhi Services Ordinance

The Lok Sabha has successfully passed the Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, in a move to replace the Delhi Services Ordinance that was promulgated by the President of India earlier this year.

The bill, which was a subject of intense debate among 26 Members of Parliament, seeks to amend the 1991 Government of NCT of Delhi Act and gave overriding powers to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi in matters of transfer, posting, and control over officers in Delhi.

While defending the bill, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the Constitution empowered Parliament to enact laws for the NCT of Delhi, as upheld by the Supreme Court in its previous judgments. However, opposition members, like Shashi Tharoor of the Indian National Congress (INC), expressed grave concerns about the legislation, claiming it undermined democratic heritage and the spirit of federalism.

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, promulgated in May, had given more powers to the LG over services, except those related to land, police, and law and order. This move came after the Supreme Court restored power over services to the Delhi government on May 11.

The bill will now proceed to the next stage of legislative approval before becoming law. Its implications on Delhi's governance and administrative setup continue to be a matter of intense political debate.

Author: Anushka Taraniya 

News Writer (MIT ADT University)