Delhi High Court Quashes PIL Seeking Facilities for CM Kejriwal in Jail

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a lawyer seeking appropriate arrangements for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to run the government from jail, with Rs 1 lakh costs.

“Keep bank draft of Rs 1 lakh ready,” the court told the petitioner.

The High Court bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan observed that since the AAP leader has already approached the Supreme Court against his arrest, “no orders were called for” with regard to providing him any facilities while in judicial custody.

The petitioner argued that although it was “practically impossible” to run the government from jail, in the PIL, he prayed for arrangements for video conferencing to Kejriwal in jail.

He also sought that the media be stopped from running “sensational headlines” speculating on his resignation and imposition of President’s Rule.

The bench said the court cannot impose censorship on the media or stop political rivals from making statements.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma said the petition was misconceived and filed with oblique motives.