'Completely Frivolous': Delhi High Court Refuses To Entertain PIL Seeking Probe Into AAP's Alleged Links With Banned Khalistani Organisation

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a public interest litigation, seeking a High Level Inquiry against the allegations of links between banned Khalistani organisation 'Sikhs for Justice' and Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The plea also sought to bar the party from contesting elections until the enquiry is completed and to temporarily suspend its membership from the election commission.

A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla rejected the plea filed by one Jagdish Sharma, stating that it is "completely frivolous'.

The plea referred to a letter addressed by former Chief Minister of Punjab, Charanjeet Singh Channi, to Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that the Aam Aadmi Party which is currently leading the Delhi government is taking financial support from the banned khalistani organization.

"This is a serious issue of compromising the security and integrity of the country and thus needs to be investigated," Channi had urged.

Subsequently, Shah had assured Channi that the government has taken the matter seriously and that he would personally ensure that the allegations are probed.

The Court noted that the petitioner has himself acknowledged that the Home Minister has acknowledged the letter and has assured that appropriate steps will be taken. Hence, there is no ocassion for the Court's interference in the matter.

"The relevant authorities are cognizant. Where is the question of Court directing an inquiry?" the Court asked Petitioner's counsel Rudra Vikram Singh.

The counsel then informed the Court that more than one month had passed however, no action was taken by the Centre.

The Court responded,

"It is not for you or us to look at. Please don't file such frivolous petitions. If the establishment is sensitized, if they are aware of the situation, is there reason for anyone to think that they are not acting on it?"

Accordingly, the plea was dismissed.

Case Title: Jagdish Sharma v. Union of India & Ors.

Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Del) 211