[Breaking] Imposed Rs 1 Lakh Fine For Seeking Media Gag On Arvind Kejriwal: Delhi HC

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The Delhi High Court imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on a petitioner who sought a media gag on reporting against Arvind Kejriwal. The court condemned, “What are we to do? Should we declare an emergency or enforce martial law? How do we silence the press or political opponents? Your plea is… Shall we decree that no one can criticize Mr. A or Mr. B?” the Court inquired, dismissing the petition.

[Breaking] Imposed Rs 1 Lakh Fine For Seeking Media Gag on Arvind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI: Today (8th May): The Delhi High Court rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition that sought to restrain media channels from airing sensational headlines and exerting pressure based on unfounded claims about the resignation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the imposition of President’s Rule in Delhi.

The court criticized the petitioner and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the lawyer for attempting to stifle political rivals.

In addition to restraining media channels, the PIL also sought directions to provide adequate facilities to Kejriwal in Tihar jail, enabling him to interact with his cabinet members and legislative assembly members for the smooth functioning of the Delhi government.

A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora strongly criticized the petitioner’s plea, stating that it sought to impose a gag on political rivals, which falls beyond the purview of the Court’s jurisdiction.

As a consequence, the Court levied a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the petitioner, who is a lawyer.

“What are we to do? Should we declare an emergency or enforce martial law? How do we silence the press or political opponents? Your plea is… Shall we decree that no one can criticize Mr. A or Mr. B?” the Court inquired, dismissing the petition.

Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 in connection with the Delhi Excise policy case, is presently in Tihar Jail.

The Court clarified that it neither possesses the authority to impose censorship on media channels nor can it curtail the rights of Kejriwal’s political rivals to express their dissent.

Advocate Shrikant Prasad’s PIL asserted that the schemes implemented by the Delhi government have greatly benefited the residents of Delhi, earning praise from the global media and numerous reputable institutions.

“The current behavior of the media regarding this matter significantly prejudices the citizens and public of Delhi, intervening in the democratic process led by a Chief Minister elected with a substantial majority of 62 seats in the Delhi assembly elections of 2020,” the plea contended.

The Court observed that Kejriwal has already approached the Supreme Court, challenging his arrest, and that the matter is currently under the apex court’s consideration. Thus, there is no need for the High Court to issue directions allowing Kejriwal to govern from jail.

“Prepare a bank draft of Rs 1 lakh. This doesn’t serve the public interest… What level have we stooped to,” the Court added, dismissing the PIL.

The plea argued that the media’s conduct in this particular matter has been biased against the citizens of Delhi, interfering with the democratic process and the Chief Minister, who was elected with a substantial majority of 62 seats in the 2020 Delhi assembly elections.

Furthermore, the plea demanded that Virendra Sachdeva, the Delhi BJP President, be prohibited from exerting undue pressure through protests or unlawful statements aimed at securing the Chief Minister’s resignation.

It is worth noting that the High Court has previously rejected several petitions seeking relief for Kejriwal or his removal from the position of Delhi Chief Minister. In one such instance, a lawyer named Karan Pal Singh was fined Rs 75,000 for seeking interim bail for the Chief Minister on extraordinary grounds.

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