New Delhi (Agency): The Supreme Court issued a stay on the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) directive which had appointed the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi to head a high-level committee for the Yamuna River’s purification. The Supreme Court’s decision arrived on Tuesday in response to an appeal lodged by the Delhi government against the NGT’s mandate.
The case, presided over by a judicial triumvirate including Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, and Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra, resolved to heed the Delhi government’s petition against the NGT’s January 19 edict. The apex court also dispatched a formal notice to the original petitioner, in response to whose application the NGT had initially issued its order.
Previously, the NGT had orchestrated a high-level committee (HLC) made up of concerned authorities in Delhi, where the Yamuna’s pollution level escalates to a staggering 75% in comparison to other river basin states. The tribunal then requested the LG of Delhi to spearhead this committee, citing his dual roles as Chairman of DDA and the administrator of Delhi as per Article 239 of the Constitution.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing the Delhi government, drew attention to a pair of paragraphs within the NGT’s order. In reaction, the apex court issued a pause on the NGT’s instructions, specifically to the extent that the LG was appointed to participate in, and chair the committee.
While the rest of the order remains effective, the Supreme Court’s decision has put a temporary halt on the LG’s involvement. This comes after the NGT highlighted the remaining substantial work required for the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River, necessitating the creation of the HLC and the invitation for the LG to take charge.
The Delhi government, however, argued in their plea that the LG primarily serves as a symbolic leader, barring the areas of police, public order, and land. As a result, they’ve petitioned the apex court to nullify the NGT’s order, marking an intriguing development in the battle for the Yamuna’s future.
