New Delhi, May 20: The Delhi High Court dismissed a public interest petition on Wednesday that sought to disqualify Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Saurabh Bhardwaj, and Durgesh Pathak from contesting elections.
The petition was filed by Satish Kumar Agarwal, who alleged that these AAP leaders attempted to create a negative atmosphere against Justice Swarn Kant Sharma, who was presiding over the Delhi excise policy case, through social media and public statements.
Agarwal argued that such comments undermine the dignity of the judiciary. The petition also claimed that the Delhi High Court is a constitutional body, and any alleged defamation against a judge diminishes the court’s reputation. Agarwal contended that the conduct of the AAP leaders violates Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which requires political parties to maintain true allegiance to the Constitution and democratic institutions.
Notably, this case is based on media reports where Kejriwal, Sisodia, and Durgesh Pathak made statements regarding Justice Sharma after she dismissed petitions seeking her recusal from the excise policy case.
The petitioner requested the court to direct the Election Commission to cancel AAP’s registration and to prevent these leaders from contesting future elections. The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia, who considered the issues raised but ultimately dismissed the petition.
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