The Delhi High Court has rejected a PIL seeking special bail for CM Arvind Kejriwal. The petition sought the release of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on “extraordinary interim bail” for all pending criminal cases against him until the end of his tenure. The court also imposed a fine of ₹75,000 on the petitioner.

Dismissal of the PIL

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora ruled that the petition was not maintainable. They believe it since Kejriwal is currently in judicial custody and has the means to approach the court for appropriate proceedings. 

The court emphasized that even though the petitioner expressed concerns about Kejriwal’s safety in Tihar Jail, such matters can be addressed through legal procedures without the need for extraordinary interim relief.

The bench pointed out that the petitioner’s assertions, including extending a personal bond on behalf of Kejriwal, were unfounded. That’s because the petitioner lacked the authority to make such representations on Kejriwal’s behalf.

Criticism of the Petition

The court expressed dismay at the petitioner’s actions. It questioned the necessity of the petition and highlighted the petitioner’s lack of standing in the matter. Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, representing Kejriwal, criticized the petition as a “publicity interest litigation,”

He stated that the petitioner had no authority to file such a plea on Kejriwal’s behalf. The court emphasized that Kejriwal, as a public figure, has legal recourse available to address any concerns regarding his safety and the continuity of his official duties.

Concerns Raised in the PIL

The PIL was filed by a law student under the pseudonym “We the People of India”. It highlighted concerns about Kejriwal’s safety in jail and the impact of his absence on governance. 

However, the court dismissed these arguments. The court asserted that Kejriwal’s legal team and appropriate authorities were better placed to address these issues.

Allegations Against CM Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 in connection with a financial probe. The ED has alleged that Kejriwal was a key figure in an excise scam involving significant amounts of money. His judicial custody is set to expire on April 23.

Despite the dismissal of the PIL, Kejriwal’s legal team continues to challenge his arrest and the subsequent court decisions. The case has garnered attention due to the involvement of other AAP leaders and the seriousness of the allegations leveled against them.

Final Words 

The court’s decision on PIL seeking special bail for CM Arvind Kejriwal underscores the importance of adhering to legal protocols and due process. It highlights this, particularly in cases involving high-profile individuals like CM Arvind Kejriwal. This ruling reaffirms that legal matters must be addressed through appropriate legal channels.

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