The Delhi High Court has reprimanded the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for failing to provide textbooks to over two lakh students. The court noted that the main interest of the Delhi government seems to be retaining power while ignoring the national interest, as evidenced by Arvind Kejriwal's refusal to resign despite his arrest.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Preetam Singh Arora, during a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) hearing, made this sharp observation. The PIL alleges that the power struggle within the MCD has led to students in MCD schools not receiving textbooks, forcing them to study under tin sheds.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan criticized Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, accusing him of turning a blind eye to the students' plight and shedding crocodile tears. The court issued this stern remark when Delhi government's lawyer Shadan Farasat stated that he received instructions from Saurabh Bhardwaj that the Chief Minister's consent is necessary to delegate powers to an appropriate authority in the absence of the MCD's Standing Committee, who is currently in custody.
The height of arrogance in governance: Court
The court declared their concern that the government is indifferent to students missing school or lacking books. Their interest lies solely in power, with the court stating the arrogance in governance has reached its peak.
The court's harsh comments
Reacting to the Delhi government's argument, Acting CJ Manmohan said it is no excuse to leave students without textbooks. The court expressed its forced inclination toward a course they would rather not take, noting they had mentioned this in several PIL hearings before but that the administration's decision still prevails. Justice Manmohan warned that they would consider commenting on the matter if pushed, and stated Bhardwaj's name would be included in the order.
Arguments from Delhi government's lawyer
Lawyer Shadan Farasat argued that the absence of MCD's Standing Committee is due to illegal appointments of aldermen by the LG, a matter currently under the Supreme Court's examination. Farasat also mentioned the Delhi government's limited powers.
