In a significant development for AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi High Court rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Thursday that sought his removal from the Chief Minister’s post following his arrest in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy scam.

The Division Bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, stated that there was no legal basis for judicial intervention regarding the relief sought in the PIL. They dismissed the PIL filed by Surjit Singh Yadav, clarifying that they hadn’t made any comments on the merits of the case.

Regarding the argument presented by Yadav citing Article 163 and 164 of the Constitution, Justice Manmohan highlighted that there was no specific prohibition preventing Kejriwal from serving as Chief Minister despite his current status as an inmate. He emphasized that if there were any constitutional shortcomings, the President or Governor would address them in due course.

The court cautioned against getting involved in political matters, stating that such issues were best left for political parties to address with the public. Kejriwal has refused to resign from his position as Delhi Chief Minister.

Yadav had argued that a Chief Minister implicated in a financial scandal should not be permitted to remain in office while in custody, as it not only obstructed legal processes but also undermined the state’s constitutional framework.