PIL to restrain media from reporting against Kejriwal rejected
The Delhi High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to restrict media outlets from broadcasting sensational headlines about the potential resignation of Delhi's Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal. Additionally, the PIL, filed by advocate Shrikant Prasad, sought to ensure that Kejriwal had adequate facilities in Tihar Jail to communicate with his cabinet and legislative assembly members. Rejecting it as not "maintainable," the court imposed a ₹1 lakh penalty on the petitioner, which he must deposit at AIIMS.
Court questions feasibility of Prasad's plea
The court clarified that it did not have the power to enforce media censorship or declare an emergency or martial law by preventing Kejriwal's political adversaries from protesting. The petitioner argued that the Delhi government's schemes have benefited the people of the national capital and have been praised by the global media. "The conduct of the media..is very much prejudiced to...a Chief Minister appointed by a majority of 62 seats in Delhi assembly elections of 2020," the plea argued.
Prasad filed the PIL with ulterior motives: ASG Sharma
The PIL also sought to prevent Virendra Sachdeva, the Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president, from exerting "undue pressure" on Kejriwal's resignation through protests or "illegal statements." It also sought to take action against him for organizing an "illegal assembly" to protest at DDU Marg on April 10. Appearing for the Union of India, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma contended that the petition is both factually and legally flawed. He also claimed that Prasad filed the PIL with ulterior motives.
Kejriwal's arrest and subsequent developments
Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 in a money laundering probe linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. Following his arrest, he was sent to Tihar Jail and has yet to receive bail. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court said that if Kejriwal is granted interim bail, he will not be allowed to perform official duties. Kejriwal's interim bail may be passed by the apex court on Friday.
