Delhi HC’s comments came following the government counsel’s statement over the non-supply of books to the children studying in MCD schools.
The Delhi High Court on Friday criticised the city government for ‘prioritising the political interests of the party over national interest.’ The court stated that allowing Arvind Kejriwal to remain chief minister despite arrest prioritises the political interests of the party.
Delhi HC’s comments came following the government counsel’s statement over the non-supply of books to the children studying in MCD schools. The counsel said that obtaining approval from CM Kejriwal, currently in custody in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to the 2021 excise policy, is necessary for the issue.
In response, the court said, “I am sorry to say you have placed your interest above the interest of the students, the children that are studying. That is very clear and we are going to give that finding that you have placed your political interest at a higher pedestal.”
“It is very unfortunate that you have done this. It is wrong and that is what has got highlighted in this matter,” said the bench of acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet P S Arora. The court informed the lawyer representing the Delhi government that it perceives his client’s primary concern as merely the “appropriation of power.”
The bench additionally stated that those in leadership roles must “bring everyone along,” emphasizing that it cannot be a situation of “one person asserting dominance over others.”
Meanwhile, the counsel representing the Delhi government clarified that he was not representing the chief minister and assured the court that the matter concerning the lack of educational materials would be addressed if the MCD commissioner formally requested financial approvals.
“Choice is yours that the chief minster will continue despite being in jail. We will have to say this. This is your administration’s will. You are asking us to go down that track and we will come with full vigour,” Justice Manmohan said.