National desk
29 April
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a stern rebuke to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi High Court emphasized the paramount importance of public duty over personal convenience. The court highlighted the plight of school children under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), who were deprived of essential educational materials due to administrative negligence amidst Kejriwal’s absence.
Citing the unique responsibilities of the Chief Minister of Delhi, the court underscored the necessity for unwavering presence to address crises and uphold public welfare. It dismissed claims of incapacitation due to election regulations, emphasizing the imperative to fulfill constitutional obligations despite electoral constraints.
The ruling came in response to a public interest petition filed by NGO Social Jurist, represented by Advocate Ashok Agarwal. The court affirmed the constitutional rights of students to receive free books, writing materials, and uniforms, admonishing authorities for failing to meet these obligations.
In a directive aimed at immediate action, the court instructed the MCD commissioner to allocate necessary funds, transcending financial limitations, to ensure the provision of essential educational supplies before the onset of summer vacations. The judgment serves as a resolute affirmation of the primacy of public welfare and the inviolable rights of school children in Delhi’s educational system.