Not James Bond movie with sequels: HC deprecates repeated pleas for Arvind Kejriwal's removal as Delhi CM

Delhi High Court expresses displeasure over repeated petitions seeking removal of Arvind Kejriwal, imposes costs on petitioner.

The Delhi High Court on April 10 expressed its displeasure over repeated filing of petitions seeking the removal of AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal from the post of the Chief Minister after his arrest.

The court said once it has dealt with the issue and opined that it fell in the executive domain, there should not be any “repeat litigation” as it was not a James Bond movie that will have sequels.

A Bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan pulled up petitioner Sandeep Kumar, a former AAP MLA who sought the removal of Mr. Kerjiwal from the office, for trying to involve the court in a “political thicket” and said it will impose costs of ₹50,000 on him.

“This is not like a James Bond movie where we will have sequels. [Lt.] Governor will take a call on this. You are trying to involve us in a political thicket, that’s all,” remarked the court.

The Bench, also comprising Justice Manmeet P.S. Arora, reiterated that it cannot impose Governor’s rule in the capital.

Observing that the petitioner was “making a mockery of the system”, the court said, “₹50,000 costs on you. We will pass the order.”

On March 28, the court had dismissed a PIL for Mr. Kejriwal’s removal, saying that while the petitioner had failed to show any legal bar that prohibited the arrested Chief Minister from holding office, there was also no scope for judicial interference in such cases as it was for the other organs of the State to look into the issue.