The Delhi High Court on Thursday witnessed a controversy over who will represent lt Governor Najeeb Jung in a case relating to the appointment of lokayukta, as counsels for both the Centre and the AAP Government claimed they were authorised to represent the l-G.
While a Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC) showed to Justice VP Vaish a letter from Jung’s office authorising him to represent the l-G, an additional standing counsel for the Delhi Government contended that as per a Government notification, he was the one authorised.
The controversy arose when CGSC Kirtiman Singh said he was representing the Centre and the l-G and had no objection in allowing the intervention application of BJP leader Vijender Gupta in the matter.
Gupta had alleged that despite being the leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, he was not consulted on the appointment of the lokayukta by the AAP Government, which told the court on Thursday that it was finalising names for appointment to the post. As soon as Kirtiman Singh made his point, Delhi Government’s additional standing counsel Gautam Narayan opposed the intervention application saying Gupta was not a necessary party. Narayan too claimed he was authorised to represent the l-G.
He also said he was not aware of any notification by which Singh has been appointed to represent the l-G and added that as per a city Government notification, Jung was to represented by the AAP Government counsel.
Singh opposed Narayan’s contention saying in view of the lG’s recent letter blaming the Delhi Government for delaying the appointment of lokayukta, there was bound to be conflict of interest between Jung and AAP Government.