National
Constitution a politico-legal document reflecting people’s aspirations, SC told
New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Wednesday was told that Delhi Lt. Governor was bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers and the constitution was a politico-legal document whose interpretation should reflect the aspiration of the people.
Senior counsel P. Chidambaram told the five judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra that the Lt. Governor has to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, telling the court that the Constitution’s Article 239AA (spelling special provision for Delhi) has to be read conjointly with Section 44 of the GNCT Act, 1991.
As he argued that the interpretation of Article 239AA has to reflect the inspiration of the people, the court itself, on the third day of the hearing on the powers of the Delhi government vis-a-vis the Lt. Governor, said that the actions of the Lt. Governor can’t be an impediment to the day-to-day functioning of the government.
Observing that the Lt. Governor can’t have difference of opinion for the sake of difference of opinion, the court said that responsibility conferred on the Lt. Governor is not absolute. The Lt. Governor can’t say no to a decision of the Council of Ministers or send it to the President.
Ordinarily, there should not be any difference of opinion between the Lt. Governor and the Council of Ministers if the latter’s decision is within the parameters of constitutional sanction, the court said that Article 239AA can’t be acted upon in a vacuum.
Addressing the constitution bench which also comprises Justice A.K. Sikri, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Ashok Bhushan, Chidambaram said: “Article 239AA was brought about in the constitution by way of a very special majority of the members of parliament and any interpretation of the constitution must advance the ‘principle of democratic governance’.
“Your (court’s) interpretation has to advance democracy and not diminish democracy. It (interpretation of Article 239AA by the court) should enrich democracy and not weaken it, said the former Union Minister, cautioning the constitution bench from looking at the constitutional provision in a strict sense.
He stressed that the Lt. Governor was a representative of President, to the extent he is empowered to act.
Chidambaram also argued that in case of differences between the Lt. Governor and the Council of Ministers, the former can’t automatically forward the matter for decision to the President. He said that as a first step, Lt. Governor has to seek clarification from the Delhi government and if he is still not satisfied, then he can refer the matter to the President for decision.
The Lt. Governor can’t sit over the decision taken by the Council of Ministers nor can he automatically refer it to the President, he said.
The constitution bench is hearing a batch of petitions by Delhi government and others challenging Delhi High Court order holding that the Lt. Governor held the primacy and had final say in the administration of Delhi.
Chidambaram will continue his arguments on Thursday.
–IANS
pk/him/vd
National
Foodman Vishal Singh Honored for Hunger Free World Mission in Bangkok
Lucknow: Vishal Singh, a renowned social worker from Lucknow, also known as Foodman, has once again made India proud. He was honored by the Happy Hands Gloves Cooperative Limited Company in Korathai, Thailand, for his work with the Hunger Free World Mission.
The Hunger Free World Mission’s meeting was held in Korathai, Thailand, under Vishal Singh’s leadership. Representatives from several countries, including Mr. Raja Dwivedi (Managing Director of Happy Hands Gloves Limited), Thailand Coordinator Mr. Raja Mishra, and member Mr. Varun Singh, attended the event.
Under Vishal Singh’s leadership, the attendees took a pledge to work together toward creating a hunger-free world.
Speaking on the occasion, Vishal Singh explained that the main goal of the Hunger Free World Mission is social participation. He said the mission is not just about feeding people but also about meeting other basic needs of those who are struggling. The mission focuses on helping families of terminally ill patients in hospitals by providing food and shelter. It also works to fulfill essential needs like education, jobs, and care for the elderly.
For the last 16 years, the Vijay Sri Foundation has been providing free services, benefiting thousands of people. Vishal Singh highlighted that the mission aims to gain global recognition like other organizations such as WHO, WWF, and Red Cross, which work for social causes.
During this meeting, Vishal Singh was appointed as the Chairman of the Hunger Free World Mission by representatives from various countries. They also discussed holding regular meetings in different countries to push the mission forward.
Business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has also supported this humanitarian mission, vowing to promote the idea of “Seva Parmo Dharma” (Service is the highest duty) worldwide. Vishal Singh praised him, stating that people like Dr .Abhishek Verma inspire others to work for the betterment of society.
Recently, Romania’s Ambassador, Mr . Daniela Sezonov Ţane, invited Vishal Singh to the Romanian Embassy in Delhi, where they discussed the mission in detail. Impressed by his humanitarian work, she honored Vishal Singh and invited him to Romania to take the mission forward .
Food man Vishal Singh has been serving the people of India for the past 16 years. Through the Vijay Sri Foundation, he provides free meals to cancer patients & their families ,shelter, and education for women & children along with running free old-age homes in Lucknow.
In addition to his humanitarian work, Vishal Singh also addresses issues like crime and corruption through his role as Chairman of Seva Path Media and Managing Director of Vijay Sri Foundation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vishal Singh and his team worked tirelessly to provide food and help to the needy, including starving children, elderly citizens, and pregnant women. Despite contracting the virus himself, he continued to assist others after his recovery. He even created a life-saving oxygen regulator using household items, which was praised by doctors both in India and abroad.
In his address at the meeting, Vishal Singh spoke about his mission to create a hunger-free world. He pointed out that India’s large population, along with issues like unemployment and poverty, has caused the country to fall on the Hunger Index. He urged people to contribute just one handful of grains daily to help create a hunger-free world.
He concluded by saying that through social participation, we can empower the people around us, meet their basic needs, and work together to build a stronger, more prosperous, and developed society.