Case filed in Delhi HC against Sunita Kejriwal; Here's what she did

New Delhi: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking legal action against Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and others for allegedly posting audio and video clips of court proceedings on social media. The complaint alleges that the posts, made after Arvind Kejriwal's address at the Rouse Avenue court on March 28, violate the High Court of Delhi Rules for Video Conferencing for Courts 2021.

Allegations of unauthorized recording

The PIL, submitted by advocate Vaibhav Singh, calls for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the unauthorized recording and dissemination of the court proceedings. Singh's petition seeks the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against those involved in recording and sharing the footage.

Violation of video conferencing rules

The petitioner claims that Sunita Kejriwal and others shared the court proceedings in direct contravention of the Delhi High Court’s video conferencing rules. The PIL argues that such actions fall under the Contempt of Courts Act and warrant immediate legal action.

Context of the case

Arvind Kejriwal addressed the Rouse Avenue court on March 28 in connection with an excise policy-linked money laundering case. During his address, he alleged that the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) investigation aimed to dismantle the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and extort funds for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Claims of conspiracy

Singh's petition suggests that the recording and subsequent sharing of the court proceedings were part of a premeditated plan by Arvind Kejriwal and AAP members to sway public opinion. The plea alleges that the viral dissemination of the recordings was intended to undermine the judiciary's image and suggest that it operates under government pressure.

Arvind Kejriwal's legal troubles

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in the money laundering case but is currently out on interim bail. The Supreme Court granted him bail on May 10 to allow for his participation in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, with instructions to surrender on June 2, the day after the final phase of voting.