High Court’s Response to Repeated Requests to Remove Arvind Kejriwal as CM Resembles ‘James Bond’

The court recently addressed the issue of a former AAP MLA seeking the removal of Arvind Kejriwal from office. The court firmly stated that it falls within the executive domain and emphasized that there should be no “repeat litigation” on the matter. The court criticized the petitioner for attempting to entangle the court in a political matter and announced a cost of Rs 50,000 against him for doing so.

In previous instances, the court had dismissed a PIL for Kejriwal’s removal, stating that it was not for the judiciary to interfere in such cases and that the petitioner had failed to demonstrate any legal barrier preventing the chief minister from holding office. Additionally, the court refused to entertain a second PIL on the issue and directed the petitioner to approach the lieutenant governor (LG). During the recent hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued for the interpretation of the Constitution and questioned Mr. Kejriwal’s eligibility to hold the office of chief minister due to a money laundering case.

The court expressed disapproval of the petitioner’s persisting and stated that the imposition of heavy costs was necessary to address the frequent petitions being filed. The court firmly directed the petitioner to refrain from making political speeches and emphasized that it does not engage in politics. The court highlighted the crowded nature of the legal system and urged the petitioner to show courtesy.

The court also mentioned that the imposition of costs was essential to discourage frivolous petitions. The petition was previously dismissed for being filed for publicity, and the court had recommended the imposition of heavy costs. The petition raised concerns about Kejriwal’s arrest and its impact on his ability to function as chief minister from prison.

Kejriwal is currently in judicial custody.