In Brief
The Supreme Court held that the Council of Ministers of Delhi has executive power coextensive with the Delhi Legislative Assembly's legislative power. The Lieutenant Governor must act on the Council's 'aid and advice' in these matters, and decisions do not require his prior concurrence, only communication to keep him informed. The proviso to Article 239AA(4) allows the Lieutenant Governor to refer only substantial matters of national importance to the President, not every decision. Procedurally, differences must first be resolved through dialogue with the Minister and Council before escalation. The Court rejected a literal interpretation, adopting purposive reading to preserve democratic values and the cabinet system established by the 69th constitutional amendment while respecting the Union's legitimate national interests in governing the capital.
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