The Delhi government has reached an impasse following the detention of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, according to a Supreme Court ruling on a legal dispute over the status of education in schools run by the city’s civic body. The position of chief minister in a bustling capital like Delhi is not merely symbolic but rather a role that requires the incumbent to be available 24/7. The court ruled that his absence could not result in the taking away of free textbooks, stationery and children’s clothing.
Delhi High Court: Kejriwal Can Remain Chief Minister Despite Jail Time, AAP Affirms
The AAP played down the court’s remarks and maintained that Mr Kejriwal would continue to serve as the Chief Minister of Delhi. According to senior leader Sanjay Singh,Arvind Kejriwal held the position of Chief Minister, currently holds the position and will continue to hold the position of Chief Minister of Delhi. He said the High Court had rejected three petitions to remove Mr Kejriwal from his post as Chief Minister.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora said it was imperative in the national and public interest that no individual holding the position should be in isolation or absent for a prolonged or indefinite period. Saurabh Bhardwaj, Delhi’s urban development minister, admitted that Mr. Kejriwal’s consent is necessary for enhancing MCD commissioner’s financial authority. The court interpreted this as a sign. It suggests that “the Delhi government has hit a dead end” after the chief minister’s jailing.
Supreme Court Rebukes Delhi Administration Over Educational Facilities
Administrative obstacles deprived roughly two hundred thousand students of essential facilities at the beginning of the academic year, as argued in the petition. On April 26, the Supreme Court issued a severe judgment against Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi administration and the civic body for their non-compliance in providing textbooks. According to the judges, Mr Kejriwal’s continued retention in office after his imprisonment in the Delhi liquor policy case is prioritizing the welfare of the nation. After the reprimand, the Lieutenant Governor’s office alleged that the AAP-led Delhi government and Saurabh Bharadwaj were involved in delaying the approval process of a proposal to temporarily increase the budgetary authority of the MCD commissioner from ₹5 crore to ₹50 crore.
Long-Standing Delay in Committee Formation Hinders Crucial Civic Projects
According to officials, the delay has hampered several important initiatives related to education, health and sanitation.The Standing Committee of the corporation did not establish for a period longer than one year, causing the delay.