The Supreme Court is set to hear the Delhi government's plea on Monday challenging the Centre's decision that grants the Lieutenant Governor (LG) the authority to appoint government lawyers. This matter has significant implications for the Delhi government, which argues that this decision curtails its autonomy and impedes its ability to effectively represent the interests of Delhi's citizens. A bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar will preside over the hearing.

The Delhi government’s plea challenges a 2017 office memorandum issued by the Union Home Ministry and a subsequent order by the LG's office, dated February 16, which collectively vest in the LG the authority to appoint legal counsel for government matters. The Delhi government contends that its right to select its own counsel is essential to fulfilling its duties to the electorate. The petition argues that restricting this right undermines the government's ability to uphold and defend the interests of Delhi's citizens in the courts.

Case Details: Government of NCT of Delhi vs. Union of India & Others, Writ Petition(s)(Civil) No. 140/2024

Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kumar

Advocates for Petitioner (Government of NCT of Delhi)

• Mr. Shyam Divan, Sr. Adv.
• Mr. Siddharth Dave, Sr. Adv.
• Mr. Talha Abdul Rahman, AOR
• Ms. Anshula Laroiya, Adv.
• Mr. M Shaz Khan, Adv.
• Mr. Adnan Yousuf, Adv.
• Mr. Nakul Chengappa, Adv.

Advocates for Respondent (Union of India & Others)

• Mr. Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General
• Mr. Mukesh Kumar Maroria, AOR
• Mr. Kanu Agarawal, Adv.
• Mr. Padmesh Mishra, Adv.
• Mr. Arkaj Kumar, Adv.
• Ms. Anuradha Mishra, Adv.

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