New Delhi: The Supreme Court has approved the Centre's decision to extend the term of Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar by six months. This ruling deals a setback to the Delhi government, as the court dismissed the plea from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) dispensation opposing the extension and seeking a say in the appointment of Kumar's successor.

The bench, presided over by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, emphasized the substantial responsibilities entrusted to the chief secretary. This includes overall administrative control and supervision over critical subjects such as land, law & order, and police, which fall outside the legislative domain and executive powers of the Delhi government.

The court underscored that the role of the chief bureaucrat, Naresh Kumar, cannot be bifurcated, reinforcing the decision to grant the extension. This verdict reaffirms the Centre's authority in matters concerning the appointment and extension of key bureaucratic positions

/BI