As Controversy Over Who Should Represent Delhi Police In Delhi Riots Cases Continues, Delhi HC Asks Centre's Counsel To Produce Letter of Authorisation Issued By Lieutenant Governor

While showing his displeasure towards the controversy between the Delhi Government and the Centre on the issue of who should represent Delhi Police in these matters, the Single Bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait asked the said letter of authorisation to be placed before this court by tomorrow.

Appearing on behalf of the Office of the Standing Counsel (Criminal) Delhi Government, Mr Rajesh Mahajan submitted that the present petition is not maintainable as the authorisation of the Standing Counsel's office was not taken by the Centre.

'We wish to file an identical petition seeking the same prayers as the present petition, which is filed by the Centre, is not maintainable', Mr Mahajan submitted.

Mr Mahajan further argued that the Lieutenant Governor cannot authorise counsels to appear for Delhi Police without the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

While rapping the office of the Standing Counsel, Delhi Government, the court said:

'This controversy can't continue in this matter, I'll impose the costs. What is this drama going on? You people are creating ruckus in the court, this can't be accepted. You satisfy your political ego at your end. Why didn't Mr Rahul Mehra appear in the last hearing? You can't appear as per your pleasure and leisure.'

Countering the contentions raised by Mr Mahajan, ASG Aman Lekhi submitted that he has been authorised by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to appear in this matter. Moreover, Mr Lekhi highlighted that this petition is filed by the Delhi Police and not by the Centre.

'Counsels should not indulge in such political gimmicks. It's a serious matter, and we are unable to argue. I'm the authorised counsel for this matter, and for the same reason, Mr Mehra can't argue', ASG Lekhi submitted.

At this point, the court asked the concerned ASG to present the said letter of authorisation, which had appointed him and SG Tushar Mehta as counsels for Delhi Police in this matter, and adjourned the matter.