‘AAP govt presented twisted facts, L-G office maligned’: Plea in HC

The plea submits that while the report was not pending consideration before the L-G office, all along, it “appears that a false statement was caused to be made to the effect that the Lt Governor was not taking any action on the report, and that he was delaying the matter”, pointing to different orders in the matter.

It further states that even now, the correct picture has not been presented, adding that after the report was placed on January 16, the L-G — conscious of the next hearing — had given his approval on the report on February 3 and forwarded it to the CM with an “explicit noting” that it be filed before the next hearing. Instead of complying with the L-G’s directions, the plea submits that the Delhi government filed an application seeking time extension to place the report on record.

“The facts above reflect a distressing plight, where the GNCT of Delhi refuses to take responsibility of its own lapses and omissions. What is even more concerning is the manner in which the responsibility is falsely attributed to a constitutional authority with no regard for accountability of one’s actions. It is respectfully stated that this is not only an affront to a constitutional post and the person, who is an eo nominee of the President of India, but also unduly erodes the credibility of the person holding such a post, and his body of work. The manner in which the twisted and distorted facts were presented before the Hon’ble Court in this matter is a deliberate attempt to mislead the Hon’ble Court and maligning the constitutional office of the Lt. Governor…” the plea submits.

The plea further submits that as per the L-G office’s understanding, the report of the committee was submitted on August 18, 2022, and moved by the Excise department the same day for seeking the L-G’s approval. “However, thereafter the applicant understands that the committee’s report… was being kept pending approval before various departments of the GNCT of Delhi, and finally reached the Applicant only on 16.01.2024, after about 16 months,” the plea states.

The matter is next listed on March 20.