'Non-compliance would lead to contempt of Supreme Court': Sisodia sounds fresh warning to defiant babus

A day after Delhi officers refused to comply with the AAP government's order withdrawing powers of transfer and postings from the Lieutenant Governor, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Thursday again directed Secretary (Services) to issue the order. 

Hours after the Supreme Court's landmark judgement on Wednesday, the government introduced a new system for transfer and postings of bureaucrats, making Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal the approving authority. 

However, the services department refused to comply, saying the Supreme Court did not abolish the May 21, 2015 notification of Ministry of Home Affairs according to which services matters lies with the lieutenant governor.

On Thursday, Sisodia, who also holds the Services portfolio in Arvind Kejriwal government, said that the non-compliance of his order would lead to contempt of Supreme Court and the officer shall face disciplinary proceedings.

"Have directed again Secretary Services to issue the orders as directed yesterday. Informed the officer that non compliance would lead to contempt of SC and the officer shall face disciplinary proceedings," Sisodia said in a tweet. 

Also read: Delhi power tussle continues, Sisodia says AAP govt consulting lawyers on babus' refusal to comply with its orders

The AAP government and the bureaucracy are likely to move towards another round of tussle on the issue of services matter if both sides remain firm on their stand. 

The Supreme Court in its verdict on Wednesday said the L-G has no "independent decision making power" and has to act on the aid and advice of the elected government.

The order by a five-judge constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, laid down broad parameters for the governance of the national capital, which has witnessed a bitter power tussle between the Centre and Delhi government since the AAP government first came to power in 2014. 

Meanwhile, Kejriwal wrote to Lt Governor Anil Baijal saying 'services' matter lies with the Council of Ministers.