Centre Introduces Delhi Services Bill 2023 In Lok Sabha, Opposition Voices Protest

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, known as the Delhi Services Bill, 2023, was introduced by the Centre on Tuesday (August 1) amidst the noise in Lok Sabha.

Despite opposition from several Opposition parties, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai presented the Bill.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a leader from the Congress party, criticized the Bill, calling it a threat to cooperative federalism and accusing the government of attempting to weaken the country's federal structure.

N K Premachandran of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) strongly opposed the Bill, stating his vehement disagreement. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi intervened, asserting that Parliament had the full authority to pass the Bill.

Asaduddin Owaisi from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) also expressed his opposition to the introduction of the Bill. Owaisi argued that the House lacked the legislative competence to do so, citing a violation of Article 123 of the Constitution of India.

Further, Trinamool Congress (TMC) member Sougata Ray expressed that the Bill was beyond the legislative authority of the House, deeming it autocratic.

Gaurav Gogoi, the Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, argued that the Bill was unlawful. He objected to its introduction, citing the pending no-confidence motion as a reason for concern.

Shashi Tharoor and T R Baalu from the DMK also voiced their opposition to the Bill's introduction.

Home Minister Amit Shah defended the introduction of the Bill by highlighting the constitutional authority of Parliament to enact laws regarding the NCT of Delhi. Shah dismissed the objections raised as merely political and urged the House to approve its introduction.

The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill aims to replace the ordinance that was issued by the Centre on May 19, 2023. This ordinance was enacted in response to a Supreme Court judgment that granted more powers to the Delhi government in the matter of services control.

Under the new bill, the National Capital Civil Service Authority will be established, with the Chief Minister of Delhi serving as the chairperson of the authority.

According to the provisions of the bill, the Central Government, in consultation with the Authority, will determine the officers and employees required to assist the Authority in its functions and provide them as deemed necessary.

The constitutionality of the ordinance has been challenged by the Delhi government in the Supreme Court. The court has referred the Delhi government's plea to a Constitution Bench to determine the validity of the ordinance.

After the Bill was introduced, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla issued a warning to the Opposition members, stating that he would have to name a few members if they did not maintain decorum in the House.

Despite this warning, the Opposition members continued with their sloganeering, leading to the adjournment of the House until 3 pm.