BJP asks LG to cancel DERC chief's appointment

New Delhi: Days after the government appointed Krishna Saini as the chairperson of DERC, BJP has requested lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung to declare the appointment null and void.
On Monday, BJP MLAs met the LG to take up the matter and claimed that Saini's appointment is illegal. "It is unauthorised, unconstitutional and illegal. The government has unilaterally appointed the chairperson whereas section 85 of the Delhi Electricity Act, 2003, states constitution of a selection committee to select the members," said Vijender Gupta, leader of opposition, Delhi assembly.
BJP MLAs submitted a memorandum to the LG requesting quick action. "According to the Delhi Electricity Act, 2003, the selection committee recommends two names and the state government selects one of them and sends it to the LG for approval. It is his discretion to accept or reject the name," said Gupta.
A 1981 batch Indian Revenue Service officer, Saini assumed office last week. He was administered the oath of secrecy' and oath of allegiance to the constitution by state power minister Satyendar Jain at Delhi Secretariat on Friday. The power regulator's chairperson post fell vacant after P D Sudhakar, a 1976 batch IAS officer, completed his five-year tenure in January.
While the state government is citing this appointment to be as per the directions of the Delhi high court, there was no clear response from the state whether consent had been sought from the lieutenant governor.