Ever since Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest in the alleged Delhi liquor scam, the AAP government has been facing relentless challenges. On one hand, AAP exudes confidence in governing from behind bars, while, on the other, the BJP demands Kejriwal's resignation on moral grounds.
In the midst of it all, former AAP legislator Sandeep Kumar has filed a petition in the High Court, seeking the removal of Arvind Kejriwal from the post of Delhi Chief Minister. The petitioner argues that post-arrest, Kejriwal has forfeited the right to maintain his position as Chief Minister.
On Saturday, former AAP MLA and minister, Sandeep Kumar, petitioned the Delhi High Court to oust Arvind Kejriwal from the position of Delhi's Chief Minister. His petition claims that following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Kejriwal has lost the privilege of holding the office of CM.
The High Court bench may hear this petition on Monday, April 8th. Prior to this, the court had dismissed two similar petitions, stating that these matters fall within the purview of the Chief Minister's authority, and the court does not have the jurisdiction to intervene.
The court explained that any decision regarding Kejriwal's retention as Chief Minister while in custody is his to make. Should a constitutional crisis arise accordingly, the Lieutenant Governor or the President will make a decision. The court, meanwhile, cannot issue any unilateral directives.
Important to note is that former MLA Sandeep Kumar has filed a ‘Quo Warranto’ writ petition in the High Court. Such a petition inquires by what authority or power an individual undertook a certain action or decision.
It is relevant to mention that the AAP suspended Sandeep Kumar in 2016 after an objectionable CD controversy showing him in a compromising position with a woman surfaced. At the time, he was the Minister for Women and Child Development. Later, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he was declared ineligible under anti-defection laws by the Delhi Assembly Speaker for supporting BSP.
