Delhi High Court in a strongly-worded statement lashed out at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi government, and the Aam Aadmi Party-led Municipal Corporation of Delhi for its failure to supply textbooks for over 200,000 students enrolled under its dispensation across the national capital.
The court was hearing a PIL alleging a dire state of education in the MCD schools. Previously, the court had remarked that administrative obstacles had deprived nearly two lakh students of fundamental amenities.
A panel consisting of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora reprimanded the Delhi government for placing 'power above public welfare'.
The bench also expressed dismay at the government's handling of the situation, saying, "Your client is just interested in power."
It pointed out CM Kejriwal's failure to resign despite facing arrest on money laundering charges, accusing him of placing personal interests above national interests.
The court rebuked the Delhi government's counsel, Shadan Farasat, for citing the absence of the MCD Standing Committee, terming it as an inadequate excuse.
The bench criticized Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj for showing indifference towards the plight of the students. It cautioned the Delhi government against underestimating the court's authority, emphasizing that the welfare of children should not be politicized.
The court also announced its decision to include Bhardwaj's name in the order.
Farasat argued that the Delhi government's authority is limited, to which the bench responded by stating that children are not commodities to be bartered. It denounced the government's acknowledgment of failure across multiple facets under the jurisdiction of the MCD.
Following the arguments, the high court adjourned its decision on the matter until April 29.
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