A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking adequate facilities for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to continue running the government from Tihar Jail, where he is currently in ED custody, reports Bar and Bench.
Kejriwal has been in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody since March 21 in connection with the now scrapped Delhi excise policy case. On Monday, a special Delhi court extended his judicial custody till April 23.
The PIL, filed by Shrikant Prasad, requests directions for Kejriwal to be provided arrangements to facilitate video conferencing with Delhi Assembly members and Cabinet Ministers for the efficient functioning of the Delhi government.
Prasad highlighted the benefits of Delhi government schemes and criticized media channels for creating pressure and airing sensational headlines related to Kejriwal’s resignation and the imposition of President’s Rule in Delhi.
“The conduct of Media as of today in this particular issue is very much prejudiced to the citizens and public of Delhi and making interference in the democratic process and a Chief Minister appointed by a setback majority of 62 seats in Delhi assembly elections of 2020,” the plea argued, as quoted by Bar and Bench.
The petition also calls for Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva to be stopped from making any undue pressure by protest or statement for the resignation of the incumbent CM.
Earlier, three petitions were filed in the Delhi High Court to remove Kejriwal from his position as CM.
The High Court rejected one plea, refused to entertain another, and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on a former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA for filing the third plea.