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Delhi High Court Rejects PIL to Remove Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi Chief Minister

Kalyani Jha
28 Mar, 2024

In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the removal of Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi Chief Minister. The court’s decision, as reported by Bar and Bench, emphasized that the matter falls within the purview of the Executive and is not subject to judicial interference.

The bench, headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora, refrained from commenting on the merits of the issue, stating that it is for the other branches of the government to assess and act in accordance with the law.

During the proceedings, the court challenged the petitioner’s counsel to demonstrate any legal impediment to Kejriwal’s continuation as the chief minister. The bench highlighted the absence of a legal barrier and reiterated that practical challenges do not equate to legal grounds for removal.

The PIL was prompted by Kejriwal’s recent arrest by an investigative agency on March 21 in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to the excise policy. The case centers on purported irregularities and money laundering during the formulation and execution of the Delhi excise policy in 2022.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had initiated legal proceedings in November 2021, alleging deliberate design flaws in the policy that facilitated the formation of cartels, benefiting AAP leaders. However, the High Court’s ruling underscores that the decision on Kejriwal’s continuation as the chief minister rests with the Executive and legislative authorities.

In response to these developments, AAP supporters are expected to escalate their demonstrations in the capital. Furthermore, the INDIA bloc has announced plans to organize a joint rally at Ram Leela Maidan on March 31 to protest against Kejriwal’s arrest and express solidarity with the AAP leadership.