Delhi HC pulls up Kejriwal for his 2017 Goa poll remark, says 'make generic statement'

Days ahead of Delhi's assembly election, Delhi High Court on Thursday observed that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's bribery-related remarks during Goa Assembly election campaign in 2017 were t appropriate. Court said that his remarks had made "specific imputations" which were "t appropriate". Court suggested him to make "generic statements" in upcoming polls.

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Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva declined to endorse a draft statement placed before him on behalf of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) conver and said court can say what would be a correct statement to be made during election campaigns. Justice Sachdeva said a court can only opine wher a statement was wrong after it has been made.

"Don't make a statement as specific as you made last time. re were some specific imputations in statement which were t appropriate. Make a general statement which does t point a finger. Make a generic statement," court said.

However, orders were passed in matter as Kejriwal's lawyers sought an adjournment in post-lunch session and court listed matter for furr hearing on April 24. court was hearing AAP leader's plea challenging Election Commission's two orders of 2017, one censuring him for his remarks with a warning that a repeat of same would lead to action against him and his party and second directing lodging of an FIR against him for his comments.

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Kejriwal's remark and its aftermath

During a series of rallies in Goa on January 7-8, 2017, Kejriwal had asked voters to "accept money from Congress and BJP candidates but vote for AAP". Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had filed two complaints against AAP supremo, seeking his prosecution under various sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) for asking voters to accept money. Congress too had condemned Delhi chief minister's statement. poll panel had, reafter, directed that a complaint be lodged against Kejriwal under provisions of Representation of People Act dealing with bribing voters and relevant sections of IPC.

(with PTI inputs)

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