Setback for Kejriwal, SC stays Delhi government order initiating defamation cases against media

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal suffered a huge blow on Thursday as the Supreme Court stayed the implementation of a Delhi government circular on initiating defamation proceedings against media for publishing or broadcasting news that damage the reputation of the chief minister, the council of ministers and the government.

“Issue notice (to Kejriwal). However, as an interim measure we direct stay of the circular dated May 6, 2015 till further order of this court. Accordingly, it is stayed,” said a Bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and Prafulla C Pant.

Asking Kejriwal to explain why the directorate of information has issued “such circular”, the court sought a reply within six weeks and listed the matter for further hearing on July 8.

Delhi government said, “Till the matter is finalised in the Supreme Court, operation of circular will be stayed. We have to implement the order of honourable Supreme Court. We are waiting for copy of the order.”

According to the circular issued by the Delhi state information and publicity department, if any officer associated with the Delhi government feels that a published or aired item damages his or the government’s reputation, he could file a complaint with the Principal Secretary (Home).

The circular also stated that after getting a go-ahead from the Director (Prosecution), the matter should be referred to the law department and after taking approval from the government, a case should be filed.

Kejriwal came under sharp attack for his government’s controversial circular, with Congress and BJP accusing him of being a “hypocrite” and “anti-democratic”.

Welcoming the decision, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ajay Maken said, “We welcome this decision. Kejriwal uses full freedom when he is in opposition. Freedom of expression is important and Kejriwal wanted to stop media. I am happy that Supreme Court has issued this order.”

Even Bharatiya Janata Party welcomed the order with party leader Satish Upadhyay saying, “Kejriwal is scared of media as it will expose AAP. Kejriwal has been talking about high moral grounds but he has not taken any action against corrupt in his party.”

In the past, Kejriwal had claimed that there is a “conspiracy to finish off the AAP” among a “very large” section of the media.