The Delhi High Court on Thursday refused to entertain the plea seeking removal of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently under judicial custody in Tihar Jail, as Delhi Chief Minister.
“At times, personal interest has to be subordinate to national interest. Let democracy take its own course,” the court remarked while dismissing the petition, Live Law reported.
The petition was filed by Vishnu Gupta, a social worker and national president of the Hindu Sena.
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Gupta’s counsel submitted that after the arrest of Kejriwal on March 21, there is an absolute lack of government in the national capital. He said that a constitutional deadlock has been created after Kejriwal’s arrest.
To which the court remarked, “That’s a practical aspect. At times, personal interest has to be subordinate to national interest. But that is his (Kejriwal’s) personal opinion. If he does not want to do that it’s upto him. We are a court of law…. Do you have any precedent that the president’s rule or governor’s rule has been imposed by the court?” The bench remarked.
“We are a court of law. Do you have any precedent that President’s rule or Governor’s rule has been imposed by the court?” the bench said.
The High Court bench told the counsel that his remedy lies elsewhere and that he should approach the constitutional authorities. Gupta subsequently withdrew his petition and said that he would make a presentation before the Lieutenant Governor, Live Law reported.
Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor scam. He was sent to a seven-day ED custody on March 22 which was extended by four days on March 28. Later on April 1, Kejriwal was sent to judicial custody till April 15 and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail.