New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted Centre time till October 10 to reply about the outcome of political consultations on government formation in Delhi on a petition by Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP.
During the hearing, the Centre also pleaded the highest court that it needed more time to file its reply on what needs to be done to end the political deadlock in Delhi.
The apex court granted four weeks time to the Centre and directed it to file its response by October 10.
While appearing in court, central government's counsel told SC that LG Governor Najeeb Jung has sent a proposal to President Pranab Mukherjee and he is seriously considering and taking legal advice on the matter.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal said that his party has complete faith in judicial system and he would get justice in this matter.
However, the former Delhi chief minister questioned Najeeb Jung's intentions, saying that he was unable to understand on what basis the Delhi LG has given his report to the President as the BJP had given it in writing earlier that they don't have the numbers and won't form government in the national capital.
“It seems that the Delhi LG is battling for the BJP,” he said.
Last week, Jung sent a report to President seeking permission to call the single largest party to take a shot at power though it is well short of majority in the Assembly.
In his report, Jung gave a detailed analysis of the political situation in the city and underlined the need to have an elected government in the city which is under President's rule since February 17 following resignation of the Aam Aadmi Party government which was in power for 49 days.
The Lt Governor said though no party has staked claim to form government in Delhi, the BJP could be invited to take the reins as it is the single largest party in the Assembly.
The apex court had earlier asked the Centre to take a decision on holding assembly elections in Delhi in response to the AAP's petition asking for the dissolution of the Assembly and fresh polls.
Both AAP and Congress have been demanding immediate dissolution of the Assembly, saying keeping it in suspended animation will encourage horse-trading.
In the 2012 Delhi polls, while BJP had won 31 seats in the 70-member house, AAP had won 28 seats and Congress managed to bag only 8.
(Z)