Delhi HC recalls 75K costs imposed on PIL litigant for seeking ‘extraordinary interim bail’

The Delhi High Court on Monday waived the Rs 75,000 costs imposed on a law student for filing a PIL seeking “extraordinary interim bail” for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, after he issued an unconditional apology and stated that he has learned his lesson.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that as a student, his client has no means to pay the costs and that the court’s judgment had given him a better understanding of the judicial system.

“I have learned my lesson well. Please consider my situation,” the petitioner’s lawyer said.

In view of the submissions, a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet P S Arora said, “The costs of Rs 75,000 imposed on the petitioner are waived.”

On April 22, the court had dismissed the public interest litigation (PIL) with costs, which sought “extraordinary interim bail” for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, who was in judicial custody in a money-laundering case related to the alleged excise scam.

The petitioner had filed the plea under the name “We, the people of India,” asserting that he did not seek any personal gain from the matter.

Calling the petition “totally misconceived,” the court noted that Kejriwal had the means to seek legal remedies himself and that the petitioner did not have the authority to make statements or undertakings on Kejriwal’s behalf.

The counsel for Kejriwal also opposed the PIL, emphasizing that Kejriwal was capable of pursuing legal remedies independently.

The petitioner’s counsel had sought “extraordinary interim bail” for the Delhi chief minister on several grounds, including concerns for his safety due to his confinement with hardcore criminals.

He argued that decision-making in the Delhi government was being hindered due to Kejriwal’s absence. (With inputs from PTI)