Don't Make It A Prestige Issue : Supreme Court Tells Union, LG To Clear Bills Of Lawyers Representing Delhi Govt

In a plea filed by the Delhi government against the Union of India & Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG), accusing them of interfering with the appointment of lawyers representing it, the Supreme Court today orally said that the bills of lawyers engaged to represent the Delhi government against Union must be cleared.

The bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta adjourned the matter at the request of a counsel appearing for the respondents, who sought time to file counter-affidavit. It shall now be heard in the week commencing July 22.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave (for Delhi government) could be heard pressing for an interim arrangement, questioning as to how the Delhi government must defend itself if its lawyers bills are held up? He contended that the issue arose only in context of litigation initiated by the Delhi government against the Union. 

Justice Khanna, however, declined to pass any interim order. When SG Tushar Mehta joined the proceedings, the judge orally told him that the bills in question cannot be held up. In response, Mehta assured that he would examine the controversy.

Courtroom Exchange

J Khanna: Just check up on the bills...bills have to be cleared. Don't make it a prestige issue, otherwise lawyers will sue Delhi Government, make the LG a party

Dave: This is only in a case where they are contesting against the Union. So we are to contest against the Union, they will sit over the bills over the lawyers who have to appear for them...how can that be? They are tying our hands

J Khanna: Clear the bills...bills cannot be...

SG Tushar Mehta: Please have it next week

J Khanna: I am keeping it in July, but you do it at your own.

Case Title: Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India and Ors., W.P.(C) No. 140/2024