Is there any restraint order on Delhi CM Kejriwal performing his duties from jail? asks Supreme Court

Supreme Court questions Delhi government on delay in remission of convicts' sentences due to Kejriwal's jail term.

Is there any restraint order on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal performing his duties from jail? the Supreme Court asked the Delhi government on Friday (September 6, 2024) after it was informed that files pertaining to remission of sentences of eligible convicts were getting delayed for want of his signature.

Remission is the cancellation or reduction of a part of the sentence of a prisoner. Under section 432 of the CrPC, State governments may remit the whole or part of the punishment to which a convict has been sentenced based on factors such as the prisoner's conduct, rehabilitation, health and time served in prison.

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The observation by a bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih came while hearing a plea filed by a convict alleging delay in remission of his sentence.

“Is there any restraint order on Chief Minister performing his duties from jail? We want to examine this because this will affect hundreds of cases.”

"So many files would be there as various orders are passed by the court concerning the Chief Minister. Whether there is any restraint on the chief minister signing such important files?" the bench said.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said she will take instructions on the issue and get back to the court.