Today, 26th April, Delhi High Court criticized Arvind Kejriwal of prioritizing personal interests over national interests. The statement reflects a strong criticism of the Delhi Chief Minister’s actions. The court’s remarks come amidst ongoing political tensions in the region. Kejriwal’s decisions and policies are likely to face increased scrutiny following this judgment.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court strongly critisized to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP led Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Friday for their failure to distribute textbooks to over 200,000 students. The rebuke came from a Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, who criticized the Delhi government for its apparent prioritization of political power over effective governance.
The judges expressed their frustration, highlighting that the judiciary compelled to intervene in matters like the distribution of educational materials, which are typically administrative responsibilities. The bench stated,
“As a court, handling the distribution of books, uniforms, etc., is not our job. We are stepping in because someone else is failing to fulfill their duties,”
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Further, the court commented on Chief Minister Kejriwal‘s decision not to resign despite facing arrest in a money laundering case, suggesting that he placed personal ambitions above national welfare.
The court remarked,
“Your client seems only interested in power. How much power is enough? The issue here is your attempt to hoard power, which ironically seems to be why you are losing it,”
During a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) addressing the issue of over 200,000 students in MCD schools lacking textbooks and studying in inadequate conditions, the Delhi High Court criticized the ongoing administrative deadlock. The counsel for the Delhi government, Shadan Farasat, conveyed that Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj pointed out the absence of the Standing Committee of MCD, noting that delegating further powers would necessitate the approval of the Chief Minister, who currently detained.
In response, Acting Chief Justice Manmohan dismissed this justification, stressing that the court had previously rejected petitions that sought the removal of Arvind Kejriwal as Chief Minister.
ACJ Manmohan articulated,
“You have opted to continue governing despite the Chief Minister’s custody. This decision forces us to consider steps we preferred to avoid. We have addressed this in numerous public interest litigations. The responsibility lies with your administration. If pushed, we will respond with full rigor,”
The court also highlighted the substantial impacts of the MCD’s dysfunction. During the prior session, the MCD Commissioner reported that nearly two lakh students lacked bank accounts and uniforms, which has prevented them from receiving reimbursements for stationery. He attributed the failure to distribute essential school supplies to the absence of the Standing Committees, which are necessary for approving contracts over Rs. 5 crores.
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, the court emphasized that administrative paralysis could not continue, stating,
“There cannot be a vacuum. If the Standing Committee is unavailable, it is imperative that the Delhi government delegates financial authority to a suitable entity.”
The bench mandated that the government resolve this delegation within two working days, underlining the urgent need to address the educational and logistical deficiencies affecting thousands of students.
During today’s court session, Acting Chief Justice Manmohan made critical remarks regarding the conduct of Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, accusing him of ignoring the struggles of students and engaging in insincere displays of sympathy. Justice Manmohan explicitly stated his intention to include Saurabh Bhardwaj’s name in the official order, indicating the seriousness of the matter.
Additionally, Farasat argued that the absence of a standing committee in the MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) due to the illegitimate appointment of aldermen by the LG (Lieutenant Governor), a matter currently under consideration by the Supreme Court.
Farasat also asserted that the Delhi government lacks significant authority. In response, the Court pointedly remarked that regardless of its limitations, the Delhi government seems indifferent to issues such as students missing school or lacking access to textbooks.
The Court expressed strong criticism, stating,
“Your sole focus seems to be on power. This reflects the highest level of arrogance of power.”
The Court cautioned the government against underestimating its authority, declaring,
“Do not underestimate our determination. You are undervaluing our authority. You are treating children as bargaining chips, whereas they are not commodities for us.”
ACJ Manmohan remarked that the Delhi government’s position in the case acknowledges the severe challenges prevalent in Delhi, with almost every critical aspect under the MCD facing stagnation.
The Court concluded by announcing that it reserved its decision on the matter, with the verdict scheduled to be delivered on Monday.
Regarding Kejriwal’s legal situation, he arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on allegations of being the “key conspirator” in a money laundering case related to the purported Delhi excise policy scam. This arrest occurred shortly after the Delhi High Court rejected his plea for interim protection from arrest.
On March 22, Kejriwal presented before Judge Baweja by the ED, who initially ordered his custody with the agency until March 28. Subsequently, his ED custody extended beyond this date, first until April 1 and then further to April 15, before being extended again to April 23 and eventually extended until May 7.