New Delhi: Setting a new time line, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to apprise it on October 10 the outcome of the process undertaken by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung on government formation in Delhi, saying "alleged horse-trading" will continue if a decision is not taken.
A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice-designate Justice HL Dattu said for the time being, it is not taking on record the additional affidavit and other materials (including alleged CD of a sting operation) of the Aam Aadmi Party that has alleged horse-trading by rival BJP to gain majority in the assembly.
It asked senior advocate FS Nariman, appearing for AAP, to wait till October 10. "On the last date of hearing, it was made clear to you (Centre) that either the election be held or a government is formed. The Centre should take a decision, otherwise the alleged horse-trading will continue," the bench remarked.
Fixing the next hearing to October 10, the court said that the matter cannot be kept pending and it may take a view after the Centre informs it about the decision of the President and subsequent political developments.
On being alleged by Nariman that largescale horse-trading was on, the bench, in a lighter vein, said, "Why we call this horse-trading? Why not men's trading?". "May be it is because of the fact that horses are costlier than men," one of the judges quipped.
During the hearing, BJP was represented by senior lawyer Aman Sinha who objected to AAP's attempt to bring on record the affidavit alleging horse-trading. "Unfortunately, the petitioner (AAP) is in the habit of making wild, sweeping allegations. Earlier also they filed an affidavit alleging horse-trading which they had to withdraw later. The BJP does not believe in any unethical practice and the highest court of the country cannot be used for political purposes by a political party," he said.
At the outset, the bench said that it does not form the opinion by watching news channels and reading news papers and asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) PS Narsimha, who was appearing for the Centre, about the latest status.
The ASG referred to the letter written by the Lt Governor on September 4 to President Pranab Mukherjee seeking his response on inviting single-largest party BJP for forming the government in Delhi.
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