The Delhi High Court criticized the Arvind Kejriwal-led government on Friday for not providing books to students in MCD schools. The court accused Kejriwal of prioritising his interests over the national interest by not resigning from his position as Chief Minister, even though he is in jail.
A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora addressed the issue in response to a PIL about the poor condition of MCD schools due to a gridlock in the civic body. The court stated that the Delhi government appeared more interested in consolidating power rather than serving the public.
The court noted that it had previously emphasized the importance of national interest in a diplomatic manner, but the current situation highlighted what was wrong and prompted the court to indicate that an order would be issued on Monday.
The judges criticized the Delhi government for placing political interests above the needs of students and remarked that such actions had been made clear during the hearing. The court warned the government not to underestimate its authority and emphasized that it would not allow children to be treated as a trading commodity.
The court also highlighted the conduct of Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, accusing him of neglecting the students’ needs and shedding “crocodile tears.” The Delhi government counsel responded by stating that the issue of non-supply of educational materials would be addressed if the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner requests financial approvals.
Overall, the court’s remarks reflect a serious concern about the government’s focus on political power rather than the welfare of the public, particularly students in MCD schools.
