The Delhi High Court rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on April 22 that sought "extraordinary interim bail" for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This decision is crucial. Due to the absurd nature of the plea, the petitioner has also been fined Rs 75,000 by the court. A fourth-year law student filed the PIL to obtain bail for Kejriwal in all criminal proceedings against him, including those involving the alleged liquor excise scam.
Claiming to speak for the public interest without looking for attention or financial benefit, the petitioner approached the court under the name "We the People of India." The petition was considered unfeasible by the bench, which was led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora. It was mentioned that while in judicial custody, Kejriwal can contact the court and initiate the necessary procedures, as he has previously done with the High Court and the Supreme Court.
Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, representing Kejriwal, challenged the PIL and questioned the petitioner's authority to act. Corresponding to the advocate, the court questioned the petitioner's legitimacy to present such a case on Kejriwal's behalf. On April 18, a PIL was filed in the Delhi High Court, requesting "extraordinary interim bail" for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The petition argues that Kejriwal's safety is at risk due to his confinement together with violent criminals.
According to the appeal, Kejriwal must physically be present at both his office and residence to carry out his duties as chief minister, including making prompt decisions on all matters and giving directives that will benefit the general public. The court's ruling upholds the idea of equality before the law and confirms that everyone is subject to the same legal procedures, including those in positions of authority. By imposing a fine, the misuse of the legal system for publicity or other non-meritorious purposes is discouraged.
This decision serves as a reminder of the judiciary's duty to protect the rule of law and make sure that the courts are not overburdened with needless cases that interfere with their primary duty of delivering justice. Given Kejriwal's role as Chief Minister and the ongoing inquiries into the allegations against him, the case has garnered a lot of attention. The Delhi High Court has made it very evident with this ruling that the legal system is sacred and that it is crucial to bring valid claims and concerns before the courts.
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