SC's Delhi ruling applicable in UT, says Puducherry CM

Puducherry: Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Wednesday said that the Supreme Court judgement curtailing the powers of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi was "totally applicable" to Puducherry as well and threatened contempt proceedings if it was not followed in the Union territory.

In a judgement seen as a major victory for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Supreme Court today ruled that the LG has no independent power to take decisions and is bound by the elected government's advice.

Hailing the verdict, a combative Naranaswamy, who has been locked in a bitter turf war with Puducherry LG Kiran Bedi, warned he would file a contempt petition if the apex court order was not followed in the Union territory.

"I welcome the verdict, and it is totally applicable for the government of Puducherry, which is also a Union territory. It is a historic and grand victory of the elected representatives," he told reporters.

"Whoever functions contrary to the judgment now delivered by the apex court would face serious action. I myself would file contempt petition against those failing to act in consonance

with the Supreme Court verdict," he said, without naming Bedi.