The Delhi High Court scrutinized the city government's handling of the book supply issue to children in MCD schools, expressing concerns that despite Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, he continued to serve as chief minister, prioritizing political interests over national interests.
The court rebuked the Delhi government, accusing it of seeking power for its own gain. This criticism arose when the government's counsel mentioned that approvals from Kejriwal, who was in custody due to an alleged money laundering case related to the 2021 excise policy, were necessary for the matter.
Emphasizing the supremacy of national interest, the court announced its intention to issue an order on Monday, condemning the government's actions for favoring political motives over the welfare of students.
The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet P S Arora, criticized the government lawyer, asserting that the government's sole interest seemed to be acquiring power. The court highlighted the detrimental impact of such actions on governance and urged for inclusivity in decision-making processes.
Regarding the issue of educational material supply, the court noted that the government should address it promptly, irrespective of the absence of certain committees. The counsel assured that resolutions could be passed upon formal requests, even without the standing committee's involvement.
The court underscored the government's negligence towards essential services for MCD schools, criticizing the stalled projects and questioning the lack of empathy towards the students' plight. It emphasized the need for immediate action to address the deteriorating conditions in these schools.
In response to the government's explanation about the standing committee's delay, the court urged for swift resolution and delegated financial powers to appropriate authorities to ensure uninterrupted services.
Despite the government's claims regarding the standing committee's formation, the court stressed the urgency of addressing the educational and infrastructural needs of MCD schools without further delay.
