Delhi High Court Waives ₹1 Lakh Cost on Lawyer for PIL Seeking Jail Facilities for CM Arvind Kejriwal

In a recent development, the High Court of Delhi has waived the ₹1 lakh cost imposed on a lawyer who had filed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking appropriate arrangements for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to run his government from jail. This decision came after the petitioner acknowledged his mistake and expressed willingness to undertake community service.

On Monday, the court took into account the petitioner’s apology and his readiness to comply with the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) directions for community service. The bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet P S Arora, stated, “Since the petitioner acknowledges his mistake, the costs of ₹1 lakh imposed on him is waived. He is directed to do community service in accordance with the directions of DSLSA.”

The petitioner, a lawyer, had earlier filed an application tendering his apology and requesting the court to waive the costs, citing his inexperience in litigation practice. He assured the court of his commitment not to repeat such an error and demonstrated his readiness to serve the community as a gesture of his remorse.

Additionally, the court directed the petitioner to attach a copy of the costs order as well as the waiver order to any future petitions he files. This measure aims to ensure that the petitioner remains mindful of the court’s leniency in this instance.

The High Court had initially dismissed the PIL on May 8, imposing the ₹1 lakh cost. The petition had sought arrangements for video conferencing facilities for CM Arvind Kejriwal to manage government affairs from jail and requested the court to restrain Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva from pressuring for Kejriwal’s resignation.

The court had noted that since Arvind Kejriwal had already approached the Supreme Court regarding his arrest, there was no need to issue orders for providing him with any special facilities while in judicial custody. The petitioner’s argument that it was feasible to run the government from jail using technology was also dismissed.

The petitioner had further sought to prevent the media from running speculative and sensational headlines about Kejriwal’s resignation and the possible imposition of President’s Rule in Delhi.

This ruling highlights the court’s balanced approach in dealing with procedural lapses while ensuring accountability and providing an opportunity for rectification through community service.

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