New Delhi. The Delhi High Court on May 1 last rejected a plea seeking permission for arrested political leaders to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections through virtual mode, saying it would allow dangerous criminals like Dawood Ibrahim to “associate themselves with political parties”. Will get a chance to register” and ask for votes.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan Singh and Justice Manmeet P.S. Arora’s division bench said in its order, “We cannot allow a person who is in custody to run an election campaign. Otherwise, all the rapists and murderers will start forming political parties just before the elections.”
The court also warned petitioner Amarjeet Gupta of imposing fine, but later his lawyer argued that he was a law student, after which the judge changed his decision to impose fine against the petitioner. The bench said, “We will not impose fine, but you [याचिकाकर्ता के वकील को] He has to be taught about the powers (judiciary, executive and legislature).”
In his petition, Gupta said he is distressed by the timing of the arrest of politicians, especially Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, after the announcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the Election Commission of India.
‘Contrary to the law’
The court said, “You are courageous. The petition is against the basic principles of law. You are asking us to act contrary to the law.” According to the news published in ‘The Hindu’, the bench said, “We want to stay away from politics and today more and more people are involving us in politics. One person comes and says take him out of jail (apparently referring to Kejriwal), the other says keep him in jail. The accused is taking advantage of legal remedies.”
When the petitioner’s counsel argued that no one can be arrested because the MCC is in force, the bench said, “If a candidate is contesting an election and he kills someone, then can he be arrested because the MCC is in force?” Because he will not be arrested.”
Tags: Arvind kejriwal, dawood ibrahim, DELHI HIGH COURT, Delhi liquor scam
FIRST PUBLISHED: May 5, 2024, 22:38 IST