Former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee backs Lt Governor Najeeb Jung's decision

NEW DELHI: Former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee today defended Lt Governor Najeeb Jung's decision to ask the AAP government to seek Centre's prior permission before introducing the Janlokpal bill in the assembly, saying he was merely following existing rules.

"He (Jung) did not make the rule. As far as the rule is there... as far as the rule is not stayed or struck down by the court of law, the Lt Governor has to follow it.

"LG did not make the rule. So the rule is there and one is supposed to follow it," Sorabjee told a news channel.

AAP government had sought an opinion of the former Attorney General on whether it had the power to introduce the Janlokpal Bill in the assembly.

He added that it was improper to blame the LG for his decision to not permit the introduction of the bill without Centre's prior permission.

"Attributing this whole thing to him is very improper. My opinion is not the about the legality of the bill. It is about the power of the Lt Governor," he said.

The Delhi government had asked Sorabjee whether Rule 55(1) of Transaction of Business Rules violates the Constitution and does the Central government have the power to make that rule under section 44 of the Government of NCT of Delhi Act.

"My opinion was that Rule 55 (1) of the Transaction of Business Rules is ultra-vires. That rule requires a Lt Governor's reference to the Central government," Sorabjee said.

He added that although his opinion was taken, which may be "good and sound weighty" but it was not a Supreme Court judgment.

"So, till the rule is said or struck under the court, I think the LG has to follow the rule," he said.

Sorabjee said he was disappointed with the way AAP government."I have said it in one of my columns that I have sympathy for them because they have struck a chord against corruption... but I am afraid that they have been swept away by over enthusiasm.

"I hope the movement that started with a bang does not end with a whimper," he said.