The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a public interest litigation filed by a lawyer, imposing a fine of Rs 1 lakh, seeking provisions for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to govern from jail.
The petitioner had also requested to prevent Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva from pressuring Kejriwal to resign.
A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan stated that since Kejriwal has appealed to the Supreme Court against his arrest, no intervention was necessary regarding his facilities during custody.
The bench, including Justice Manmeet PS Arora, emphasised that the court couldn’t curtail press freedom or political discourse.
“We don’t declare an emergency or impose censorship. How can we silence the press or political opponents?” the court questioned.
“Prepare a bank draft of Rs 1 lakh,” instructed the court to the petitioner.
The petitioner argued that although it seemed impractical for Kejriwal to govern from jail, technological solutions could facilitate it.
The PIL requested arrangements for video conferencing with Kejriwal in jail and urged the media to refrain from sensationalising speculations about his resignation or the imposition of President’s Rule.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma deemed the petition misguided and motivated by ulterior motives. (With inputs from PTI)
