New Delhi, Apr 27 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta slammed AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal over his refusal to appear before the High Court bench hearing the excise policy case, saying constantly questioning the judicial system reflected his mindset.
Kejriwal has written to Delhi High Court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, saying he will not appear in the excise case personally or through a lawyer before her while admitting that he has “serious and unreconciled” concerns regarding the matter.
He said that, following in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi, he would adopt Satyagrah and reserve the right to appeal against the order by Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma.
Gupta assailing the AAP supremo, charged that fleeing from the courts while claiming to undertake a ‘Satyagraha’ is an attempt to “mislead” the public.
“Kejriwal’s conduct suggests he is acting as his own lawyer, witness and judge. If he alone decides everything, what role is left for the judicial system?” she asked.
The chief minister said refusing to appear in court while publicly levelling allegations against a judge is not only inappropriate but also undermines the dignity of the judiciary.
She also took strong exception to Kejriwal “comparing” himself with Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh, calling it ‘deeply objectionable and shameful.’ “Invoking names of such figures in this manner diminishes their legacy. If someone claims to be innocent, they should prove it in court,” she said. “Sitting outside and calling it satyagraha is nothing but a cheap gimmick,” she said.
The ruling Delhi BJP condemned Kejriwal for writing a letter to the High Court judge, saying his action showed he has no respect or trust in the judiciary.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said that the AAP supremo was engaging in “political theatrics” over the liquor scam case.
After losing his judicial appeal in the Delhi High Court over the recusal matter, he is now crossing all limits of propriety by making personal allegations against the Judge, Sachdeva added. PTI VIT VIT HIG HIG
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