<p>Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that the national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants it to join them ahead of the general elections, a claim the BJP has strongly rebutted. Speaking on Sunday (Feb 4), Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he will not “bow down” despite great pressure from the BJP.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On laying the foundation stone of new school buildings in Kirari, Rohini, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal says, "... They ask us to join BJP saying they'll spare us. I said I would not join the BJP... We are doing nothing wrong." <a href="https://t.co/9Tfggh4P5M">pic.twitter.com/9Tfggh4P5M</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1754066352246255937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>He added that the developmental works in Delhi won’t stop even if he is sent to jail by the federal authorities. He issued this statement while laying the foundation stone for two school buildings in Kirari in New Delhi. "BJP wants us to join their party but we won't bow down," Kejriwal said. "Manish Sisodia was put in jail because he built schools. Satyendar Jain was sent to jail because he built Mohalla clinics," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>ED vs Kejriwal</strong></h2>

<p>India’s premier economic intelligence agency, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), is seeking to interrogate Arvind Kejriwal in a case related to the AAP government’s now-scrapped excise policy. The ED on Saturday (Feb 3) even filed a case against the CM after he failed to appear before the agency for the straight fifth time.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw25dC1XuclIMvdYXjWc2uqS" data-ved="2ahUKEwir4Jbu35GEAxUN3TgGHWwOC8gQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-files-complaint-against-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-after-he-skips-5th-summons-686770" jsname="YKoRaf">Enforcement Directorate files complaint against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal after he skips 5th summons</a></strong></p>

<p>The matter will now be heard by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra on February 7. AAP maintains the summons are illegal as Kejriwal has not been named as an accused in the case.</p>

<h2><strong>BJP rubbishes Kejriwal’s claims</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the BJP, which sits in opposition in Delhi, rubbished Kejriwal’s claims, terming them a stunt to divert the public’s attention.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | "Arvind Kejriwal is afraid of investigations by the probe agencies, that's why he is lying. He wants to distract and trick the people of Delhi and that's why he is dreaming about the things that will never happen," says BJP Delhi chief Virendra Sachdeva (<a href="https://twitter.com/Virend_Sachdeva?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Virend_Sachdeva</a>)… <a href="https://t.co/1SwId3eM8q">pic.twitter.com/1SwId3eM8q</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1754086252377198874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reacting to Kejriwal's claims, BJP Delhi chief Virendra Sachdev said, “Arvind Kejriwal is afraid of investigations by the probe agencies, that's why he is lying. He wants to distract and trick the people of Delhi and that's why he is dreaming about the things that will never happen."</p>

<h2><strong>Delhi Police’s notice to Kejriwal</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday, a drama unfolded at Kejriwal’s residence as Delhi Police Crime Branch arrived there to serve him a notice regarding claims of BJP trying to poach AAP’s MLAs.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: Arvind Kejriwal likely to skip probe agency ED summons in liquor policy case</strong></p>

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<p>After nearly a five-hour confrontation between the two sides, Delhi Police handed over the notice to staff stationed outside the Chief Minister's residence.</p>

<p>A similar notice was also served to AAP leader Atishi Marlena on Sunday. Atishi holds the portfolios of education, PWD, culture and tourism in the Delhi government.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that the national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants it to join them ahead of the general elections, a claim the BJP has strongly rebutted.

Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that the national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants it to join them ahead of the general elections, a claim the BJP has strongly rebutted. Speaking on Sunday (Feb 4), Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he will not “bow down” despite great pressure from the BJP. #WATCH | On laying the foundation stone of new school buildings in Kirari, Rohini, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal says, "... They ask us to join BJP saying they'll spare us. I said I would not join the BJP... We are doing nothing wrong." pic.twitter.com/9Tfggh4P5M — ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2024 × He added that the developmental works in Delhi won’t stop even if he is sent to jail by the federal authorities. He issued this statement while laying the foundation stone for two school buildings in Kirari in New Delhi. "BJP wants us to join their party but we won't bow down," Kejriwal said. "Manish Sisodia was put in jail because he built schools. Satyendar Jain was sent to jail because he built Mohalla clinics," he added. ED vs Kejriwal India’s premier economic intelligence agency, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), is seeking to interrogate Arvind Kejriwal in a case related to the AAP government’s now-scrapped excise policy. The ED on Saturday (Feb 3) even filed a case against the CM after he failed to appear before the agency for the straight fifth time. Also read: Enforcement Directorate files complaint against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal after he skips 5th summons The matter will now be heard by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra on February 7. AAP maintains the summons are illegal as Kejriwal has not been named as an accused in the case. BJP rubbishes Kejriwal’s claims Meanwhile, the BJP, which sits in opposition in Delhi, rubbished Kejriwal’s claims, terming them a stunt to divert the public’s attention. VIDEO | "Arvind Kejriwal is afraid of investigations by the probe agencies, that's why he is lying. He wants to distract and trick the people of Delhi and that's why he is dreaming about the things that will never happen," says BJP Delhi chief Virendra Sachdeva (@Virend_Sachdeva)… pic.twitter.com/1SwId3eM8q — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 4, 2024 × Reacting to Kejriwal's claims, BJP Delhi chief Virendra Sachdev said, “Arvind Kejriwal is afraid of investigations by the probe agencies, that's why he is lying. He wants to distract and trick the people of Delhi and that's why he is dreaming about the things that will never happen." Delhi Police’s notice to Kejriwal On Saturday, a drama unfolded at Kejriwal’s residence as Delhi Police Crime Branch arrived there to serve him a notice regarding claims of BJP trying to poach AAP’s MLAs. Watch: India: Arvind Kejriwal likely to skip probe agency ED summons in liquor policy case × After nearly a five-hour confrontation between the two sides, Delhi Police handed over the notice to staff stationed outside the Chief Minister's residence. A similar notice was also served to AAP leader Atishi Marlena on Sunday. Atishi holds the portfolios of education, PWD, culture and tourism in the Delhi government. (With inputs from agencies)

‘They want us to join BJP,’ Delhi CM Kejriwal accuses PM Modi’s party of poaching

<p>The Enforcement Directorate approached Rouse Avenue Court and lodged a complaint against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday (Feb 3) for non-compliance with the summons issued to him in the Delhi liquor policy money laundering case.</p>

<p>The Delhi court after hearing the submissions on Saturday (Feb 7) decided on Feb 7 as the date to consider the latest complaint filed by ED and the hearing for the remaining submissions.</p>

<p>The complaint by ED before the Rouse Avenue court in New Delhi was filed under Section 190 (1)(a) Cr.P.C. r/w. Section 200 Cr.P.C., 1973 r/w. Section 174 IPC, 1860 r/w. Section 63 (4) of PMLA, 2002 for non-attendance in compliance with Section 50, PMLA, 2002.</p>

<p>The Delhi CM skipped the ED summons for the fifth time in connection with the money laundering probe related to irregularities in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22 case. The latest move by the agency comes after Kejriwal skipped the fourth summons on Jan 18.</p>

<p>Kejriwal has so far skipped four summons issued by the ED on Jan 18, Jan 3, Nov 2 and Dec 22, dubbing them "illegal and politically motivated".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-punjabs-governor-resigns-in-a-sudden-move-cites-personal-reasons-686671">India: Punjab governor resigns in a sudden move, cites 'personal reasons'</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Police doing drama', says Kejriwal</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, after crime branch officials issued notice to Kejriwal in connection with AAP's allegations against the BJP of "poaching AAP MLAs", the Aam Aadmi Party chief said that the Delhi police, instead of stopping crime in the national capital, was doing drama on the instructions of "political masters", which he stated resulted in the increase of crime rate.</p>

<p>In a post on X, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "I sympathize with the crime branch police officer. What is their fault? Their job is to stop crime in Delhi. But instead of stopping crime, this kind of drama is being done. That is why crime is increasing so much in Delhi. Their political masters are asking me that which AAP MLA was being tried to poach? But you know more than me? You know everything. Why only Delhi, do you know which MLAs from other parties and which governments were toppled in the last few years across the country? Then why this drama?"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">मुझे क्राइम ब्रांच के इस पुलिस ऑफिसर से सहानुभूति है। इनका क्या क़सूर है? इनका काम है दिल्ली में क्राइम रोकना। पर इनसे क्राइम रोकने की बजाय इस क़िस्म की नौटंकी करवाई जा रही है। इसीलिए दिल्ली में इतना क्राइम बढ़ रहा है।<br />
<br />
इनके पोलिटिकल आका मुझसे पूछ रहे हैं कि “आप” के किस किस MLA… <a href="https://t.co/vZegQRiizM">https://t.co/vZegQRiizM</a></p>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1753739334417621074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>AAP has levied allegations against the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party of making an attempt to topple the elected Delhi government through a campaign called "Operation Lotus 2.0".</p>

<p>The Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi claimed that the BJP had approached many AAP MLAs with bribes and threats with an aim to induce defection.</p>

<p>"BJP has started 'Operation Lotus 2.0', and is trying to topple the democratically elected AAP government in Delhi. 7 MLAs of the AAP have been contacted by the BJP, and have been told, that Arvind Kejriwal will be arrested soon, after which AAP MLAs will be rifted apart. They are in touch with 21 of our MLAs, using whom they aim to topple the Delhi government. Those 7 MLAs have been offered Rs 25 crores each. Operation Lotus is the tactic used by the BJP to come into power in states, where they are not democratically elected. Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are examples," the AAP leader said.</p>

<p><em>(With the inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Enforcement Directorate approached Rouse Avenue Court and lodged a complaint against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday (Feb 3) for non-compliance with the summons issued to him in the Delhi liquor policy money laundering case.

The Enforcement Directorate approached Rouse Avenue Court and lodged a complaint against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday (Feb 3) for non-compliance with the summons issued to him in the Delhi liquor policy money laundering case. The Delhi court after hearing the submissions on Saturday (Feb 7) decided on Feb 7 as the date to consider the latest complaint filed by ED and the hearing for the remaining submissions. The complaint by ED before the Rouse Avenue court in New Delhi was filed under Section 190 (1)(a) Cr.P.C. r/w. Section 200 Cr.P.C., 1973 r/w. Section 174 IPC, 1860 r/w. Section 63 (4) of PMLA, 2002 for non-attendance in compliance with Section 50, PMLA, 2002. The Delhi CM skipped the ED summons for the fifth time in connection with the money laundering probe related to irregularities in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22 case. The latest move by the agency comes after Kejriwal skipped the fourth summons on Jan 18. Kejriwal has so far skipped four summons issued by the ED on Jan 18, Jan 3, Nov 2 and Dec 22, dubbing them "illegal and politically motivated". Also read: India: Punjab governor resigns in a sudden move, cites 'personal reasons' 'Police doing drama', says Kejriwal Meanwhile, after crime branch officials issued notice to Kejriwal in connection with AAP's allegations against the BJP of "poaching AAP MLAs", the Aam Aadmi Party chief said that the Delhi police, instead of stopping crime in the national capital, was doing drama on the instructions of "political masters", which he stated resulted in the increase of crime rate. In a post on X, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "I sympathize with the crime branch police officer. What is their fault? Their job is to stop crime in Delhi. But instead of stopping crime, this kind of drama is being done. That is why crime is increasing so much in Delhi. Their political masters are asking me that which AAP MLA was being tried to poach? But you know more than me? You know everything. Why only Delhi, do you know which MLAs from other parties and which governments were toppled in the last few years across the country? Then why this drama?" मुझे क्राइम ब्रांच के इस पुलिस ऑफिसर से सहानुभूति है। इनका क्या क़सूर है? इनका काम है दिल्ली में क्राइम रोकना। पर इनसे क्राइम रोकने की बजाय इस क़िस्म की नौटंकी करवाई जा रही है। इसीलिए दिल्ली में इतना क्राइम बढ़ रहा है। इनके पोलिटिकल आका मुझसे पूछ रहे हैं कि “आप” के किस किस MLA… https://t.co/vZegQRiizM — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 3, 2024 × AAP has levied allegations against the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party of making an attempt to topple the elected Delhi government through a campaign called "Operation Lotus 2.0". The Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi claimed that the BJP had approached many AAP MLAs with bribes and threats with an aim to induce defection. "BJP has started 'Operation Lotus 2.0', and is trying to topple the democratically elected AAP government in Delhi. 7 MLAs of the AAP have been contacted by the BJP, and have been told, that Arvind Kejriwal will be arrested soon, after which AAP MLAs will be rifted apart. They are in touch with 21 of our MLAs, using whom they aim to topple the Delhi government. Those 7 MLAs have been offered Rs 25 crores each. Operation Lotus is the tactic used by the BJP to come into power in states, where they are not democratically elected. Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are examples," the AAP leader said. (With the inputs from agencies)

Enforcement Directorate files complaint against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal after he skips 5th summons

<p>The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a fresh and the fifth summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning him in the Delhi excise policy linked money laundering case, official sources said on Wednesday. Kejriwal, also the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has skipped four earlier summons issued by the federal agency for January 18 and January 3 and November 2 and December 21 in 2023. He had called these notices “illegal”.</p>

<p>It is understood that the fresh summons was for February 2.</p>

<p>It is alleged that the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22 to grant licences to liquor traders allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who had allegedly paid bribes for it, a charge repeatedly refuted by the AAP.</p>

<p>The policy was subsequently scrapped and Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena recommended a CBI probe, following which the ED registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)</p>


The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a fresh and the fifth summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning him in the Delhi excise policy linked money laundering case, official sources said on Wednesday.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a fresh and the fifth summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning him in the Delhi excise policy linked money laundering case, official sources said on Wednesday. Kejriwal, also the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has skipped four earlier summons issued by the federal agency for January 18 and January 3 and November 2 and December 21 in 2023. He had called these notices “illegal”. It is understood that the fresh summons was for February 2. It is alleged that the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22 to grant licences to liquor traders allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who had allegedly paid bribes for it, a charge repeatedly refuted by the AAP. The policy was subsequently scrapped and Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena recommended a CBI probe, following which the ED registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)

India: ED issues 5th summons to Arvind Kejriwal in excise policy money laundering case

<p>Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, on Thursday (Jan 18) called the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in the alleged Delhi excise policy case “illegal”. He also said that the notices were a part of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) vendetta against him ahead of the upcoming general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Summons ignored for fourth time</strong></h2>

<p>This is the fourth time that the Delhi CM has skipped the ED&nbsp;summon&nbsp;over the past few&nbsp;months after he was asked to appear before the agency for questioning on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“These four notices are illegal and invalid. Whenever such notices are sent by ED, they are quashed by the court,” said Kejriwal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “These notices are nothing but just political vendetta. An investigation was being done in this case for 2 years but they did not recover anything.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>WATCH |&nbsp;Probe agency ED refutes AAP leaders' claim of Kejriwal's likely arrest</p>

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<p>The statement comes amid reports of&nbsp;Delhi CM&nbsp;flying to Goa for a scheduled program between January 18 and 20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ED had issued a third summon&nbsp;to CM Kejriwal on December 22 last year, in connection with the case, asking him to appear before the agency on January 3. That time too, the AAP leader had called the notice&nbsp;“illegal.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ed-summons-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-for-fourth-time-in-excise-policy-case-679607">ED summons Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for fourth time in excise policy case</a></strong></p>

<p>After skipping the third summon&nbsp;of the agency, Kejriwal in his reply expressed his readiness to cooperate with the investigation but declined to appear on the summoned date.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kejriwal earlier skipped the ED summons on January 3, citing Rajya Sabha polls and Republic Day preparations in the Indian capital city.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Politically motivated’</strong></h2>

<p>AAP leaders have&nbsp;repeatedly claimed the BJP wants the Delhi CM to be arrested so that he cannot campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-excise-policy-scam-cases-sc-rejects-bail-pleas-of-ex-deputy-cm-manish-sisodia-652919">Delhi excise policy scam cases: India SC rejects bail pleas of ex-deputy CM Manish Sisodia</a></strong></p>

<p>“Why have I been called 2 months before the Lok Sabha elections? ED is being run by BJP...Their only intention is to arrest me so that I cannot campaign for the elections,” said Kejriwal, on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Delhi CM was issued the first summon&nbsp;by the ED in October last year when he was asked to appear by the central agency for questioning on November 2. The second was sent on December 18, asking him to appear before the central agency for questioning on December 21.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, on Thursday (Jan 18) called the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in the alleged Delhi excise policy case “illegal”.

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, on Thursday (Jan 18) called the summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in the alleged Delhi excise policy case “illegal”. He also said that the notices were a part of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) vendetta against him ahead of the upcoming general elections. Summons ignored for fourth time This is the fourth time that the Delhi CM has skipped the ED summon over the past few months after he was asked to appear before the agency for questioning on Thursday. “These four notices are illegal and invalid. Whenever such notices are sent by ED, they are quashed by the court,” said Kejriwal. He added, “These notices are nothing but just political vendetta. An investigation was being done in this case for 2 years but they did not recover anything.” WATCH | Probe agency ED refutes AAP leaders' claim of Kejriwal's likely arrest The statement comes amid reports of Delhi CM flying to Goa for a scheduled program between January 18 and 20. The ED had issued a third summon to CM Kejriwal on December 22 last year, in connection with the case, asking him to appear before the agency on January 3. That time too, the AAP leader had called the notice “illegal.” ALSO READ | ED summons Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for fourth time in excise policy case After skipping the third summon of the agency, Kejriwal in his reply expressed his readiness to cooperate with the investigation but declined to appear on the summoned date. Kejriwal earlier skipped the ED summons on January 3, citing Rajya Sabha polls and Republic Day preparations in the Indian capital city. ‘Politically motivated’ AAP leaders have repeatedly claimed the BJP wants the Delhi CM to be arrested so that he cannot campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. ALSO READ | Delhi excise policy scam cases: India SC rejects bail pleas of ex-deputy CM Manish Sisodia “Why have I been called 2 months before the Lok Sabha elections? ED is being run by BJP...Their only intention is to arrest me so that I cannot campaign for the elections,” said Kejriwal, on Thursday. The Delhi CM was issued the first summon by the ED in October last year when he was asked to appear by the central agency for questioning on November 2. The second was sent on December 18, asking him to appear before the central agency for questioning on December 21. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi excise policy scam: Arvind Kejriwal ignores another ED summon, calls it 'political vendetta'

<p>The smog tower installed in Delhi’s Connaught Place has been locked up by the workers in protest to non-payment of their salaries, as per several media reports. The development comes even as the national capital reels under ‘very poor’ air quality amidst freezing cold and dense fog.</p>

<p>The $2.76 million (INR 23 crore) smog tower was inaugurated by Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in 2021; however, it was shut down in April last year. Then after the Supreme Court’s intervention, the tower again resumed its operations in November.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The reason behind the recent closure</strong></h2>

<p>According to the company responsible for the smog tower’s operations, the facility has been shut down due to non-payment of their salary for December and no written 'job guarantee' from the Delhi government.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Trending on WION: Scientists welcome new antibiotic that kills drug-resistant bacteria CRAB</strong></p>

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<p>A 13-member team of the private firm Vibgyour Consulting was in charge of operating the tower. Mahipal Bisht, one of the staff members, was quoted as saying by India Today that their company has not got any job confirmation from the Delhi government.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/florida-woman-in-prison-since-june-2022-gets-pregnant-sparks-investigation-677427"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Florida woman in prison since June 2022 gets pregnant, sparks investigation</strong></a></p>

<p>"This tower is under Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) and our company, Vibgyour Consulting, was operating this tower," he said.</p>

<p>"But in April 2023, operations of the tower were stopped. But after the Supreme Court rebuked the Delhi government in November (2023) to start this tower, we were called by DPCC and on November 8, again the tower was operationalised, but we were not paid our salary on time and our December salary is not paid yet and above this our company has not got any job confirmation from Delhi government," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>No basic facilities for staff members</strong></h2>

<p>The staff members also pointed out that there were no basic facilities available at the smog tower, such as drinking water and an accessible toilet. They also highlighted that “even basic tools like pliers and screwdrivers are not available and we are also not provided any safety gear."</p>

<p>According to staff members, the smog tower was not even in good working condition, and most of the 5000 filters installed in the tower are old and need replacement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The smog tower installed in Delhi’s Connaught Place has been locked up by the workers in protest to non-payment of their salaries, as per several media reports. The development comes even as the national capital reels under ‘very poor’ air quality amidst freezing cold and dense fog.

The smog tower installed in Delhi’s Connaught Place has been locked up by the workers in protest to non-payment of their salaries, as per several media reports. The development comes even as the national capital reels under ‘very poor’ air quality amidst freezing cold and dense fog. The $2.76 million (INR 23 crore) smog tower was inaugurated by Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in 2021; however, it was shut down in April last year. Then after the Supreme Court’s intervention, the tower again resumed its operations in November. The reason behind the recent closure According to the company responsible for the smog tower’s operations, the facility has been shut down due to non-payment of their salary for December and no written 'job guarantee' from the Delhi government. Watch: Trending on WION: Scientists welcome new antibiotic that kills drug-resistant bacteria CRAB × A 13-member team of the private firm Vibgyour Consulting was in charge of operating the tower. Mahipal Bisht, one of the staff members, was quoted as saying by India Today that their company has not got any job confirmation from the Delhi government. Also read: Florida woman in prison since June 2022 gets pregnant, sparks investigation "This tower is under Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) and our company, Vibgyour Consulting, was operating this tower," he said. "But in April 2023, operations of the tower were stopped. But after the Supreme Court rebuked the Delhi government in November (2023) to start this tower, we were called by DPCC and on November 8, again the tower was operationalised, but we were not paid our salary on time and our December salary is not paid yet and above this our company has not got any job confirmation from Delhi government," he added. No basic facilities for staff members The staff members also pointed out that there were no basic facilities available at the smog tower, such as drinking water and an accessible toilet. They also highlighted that “even basic tools like pliers and screwdrivers are not available and we are also not provided any safety gear." According to staff members, the smog tower was not even in good working condition, and most of the 5000 filters installed in the tower are old and need replacement. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi’s smog tower ‘loses breath’ as workers remain unpaid by Kejriwal govt

India's anti-money laundering agency, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), has refuted the claims by leaders of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party in New Delhi that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is likely to be arrested today. The agency says it is likely to issue a fourth summon to the Delhi CM in the liquor scam case.

Probe agency ED refutes AAP leaders' claim of Kejriwal's likely arrest

Arvind Kejriwal-ED row | Delhi CM may get fourth summon: ED

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal may get fourth summon, won't be arrested today, says ED

AAP leaders claim party Chief Arvind Kejriwal could be arrested today, ED refutes claim | WION

<p lang="en-US">India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been looking into the reply sent by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to the agency, after the latter rejected the third summons sent to him, and is likely to issue a fourth summons, reported the news agency PTI.<br />
<br />
The reports surfaced hours after New Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party leaders claimed that Kejriwal is likely to be arrested on Thursday (Jan 4) and the ED&nbsp;will raid his home. According to PTI, Kejriwal will be leaving on a three-day Gujarat tour on January 6.<br />
<br />
In the early morning of Thursday, security was tightened outside Kejriwal's residence after AAP ministers Saurabh Bhardwaj and Atishi claimed that the AAP convenor is likely to be arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on&nbsp;January 4.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-ed-summons-to-arvind-kejriwal-for-questioning-in-delhi-excise-policy-case-670959">Fresh ED summons to Arvind Kejriwal for questioning in Delhi excise policy case</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">Kejriwal on Wednesday (Jan 3) refused to appear for questioning in the Delhi liquor policy case following a third summons by the agency.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Aam Aadmi Party claims Kerjiwal likely to be arrested</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Earlier, AAP leaders had claimed that Kejriwal is likely to be arrested after a raid at his home.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;Enforcement Directorate, which is the central agency investigating the money laundering angle, called Kejriwal for questioning multiple times.<br />
<br />
"News coming in that ED is going to raid @ArvindKejriwal's residence tmrw morning. Arrest likely," wrote senior party leader and Delhi minister Aatishi on X.</p>

<p lang="en-US">Similar posts were shared by senior party leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj, Jasmine Shah and Sandeep Pathak on their handles.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">News coming in that ED is going to raid <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a>’s residence tmrw morning. Arrest likely.</p>
— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtishiAAP/status/1742612025203884069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Delhi CM Kejriwal to attend INDIA bloc meet, to meet TMC Chief &amp; Uddhav Thackeray</strong></p>

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<p lang="en-US">Kejriwal has been summoned thrice in the matter but he has refused to comply every time. The first summons was issued in October in which he was asked to appear on November 2. The&nbsp;second summons was sent on December 18 which asked Kejriwal to appear for questioning on December 21.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
As per the rules, the ED can issue a non-bailable warrant against him at any time and he can be arrested.<br />
<br />
The Central Bureau of Investigation had questioned the Delhi chief minister for nine hours in April 2023. However, they have not named him as an accused in the case.<br />
<br />
Kejriwal has insisted that the summons appear "motivated" and claims it remains unclear if they are calling him as a witness or a suspect in the case.</p>

<p lang="en-US">Earlier, Kejriwal, reacting on&nbsp;ED summons in a liquor police case, had said, "The truth is that there was no corruption."</p>

<p lang="en-US">"BJP wants to arrest me," he said, referring to the ruling party at the centre.<br />
<br />
"My biggest asset is my honesty &amp; they want to dent it. My lawyers have told me that summons sent to me are illegal. BJP's aim is not to probe me, but not to let me campaign for Lok Sabha elections. They want to call me on the pretext of investigation and then arrest me."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been looking into the reply sent by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to the agency, after the latter rejected the third summons sent to him, and is likely to issue a fourth summons, reported the news agency PTI.

India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been looking into the reply sent by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to the agency, after the latter rejected the third summons sent to him, and is likely to issue a fourth summons, reported the news agency PTI. The reports surfaced hours after New Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party leaders claimed that Kejriwal is likely to be arrested on Thursday (Jan 4) and the ED will raid his home. According to PTI, Kejriwal will be leaving on a three-day Gujarat tour on January 6. In the early morning of Thursday, security was tightened outside Kejriwal's residence after AAP ministers Saurabh Bhardwaj and Atishi claimed that the AAP convenor is likely to be arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on January 4. Also read: Fresh ED summons to Arvind Kejriwal for questioning in Delhi excise policy case Kejriwal on Wednesday (Jan 3) refused to appear for questioning in the Delhi liquor policy case following a third summons by the agency. Aam Aadmi Party claims Kerjiwal likely to be arrested Earlier, AAP leaders had claimed that Kejriwal is likely to be arrested after a raid at his home. Enforcement Directorate, which is the central agency investigating the money laundering angle, called Kejriwal for questioning multiple times. "News coming in that ED is going to raid @ArvindKejriwal's residence tmrw morning. Arrest likely," wrote senior party leader and Delhi minister Aatishi on X. Similar posts were shared by senior party leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj, Jasmine Shah and Sandeep Pathak on their handles. News coming in that ED is going to raid @ArvindKejriwal’s residence tmrw morning. Arrest likely. — Atishi (@AtishiAAP) January 3, 2024 × Watch: Delhi CM Kejriwal to attend INDIA bloc meet, to meet TMC Chief & Uddhav Thackeray Kejriwal has been summoned thrice in the matter but he has refused to comply every time. The first summons was issued in October in which he was asked to appear on November 2. The second summons was sent on December 18 which asked Kejriwal to appear for questioning on December 21. As per the rules, the ED can issue a non-bailable warrant against him at any time and he can be arrested. The Central Bureau of Investigation had questioned the Delhi chief minister for nine hours in April 2023. However, they have not named him as an accused in the case. Kejriwal has insisted that the summons appear "motivated" and claims it remains unclear if they are calling him as a witness or a suspect in the case. Earlier, Kejriwal, reacting on ED summons in a liquor police case, had said, "The truth is that there was no corruption." "BJP wants to arrest me," he said, referring to the ruling party at the centre. "My biggest asset is my honesty & they want to dent it. My lawyers have told me that summons sent to me are illegal. BJP's aim is not to probe me, but not to let me campaign for Lok Sabha elections. They want to call me on the pretext of investigation and then arrest me." (With inputs from agencies)

India: Amid reports of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, ED likely to issue fourth summons

ED says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal may get fourth summon, won't be arrested today

<p>The Enforcement Directorate has issued a fresh summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning on December 21 in the excise policy-linked money laundering case, officials said Monday.</p>

<p>He was first called by the federal agency to appear on November 2, but he did not depose alleging that the notice was "vague, motivated and unsustainable in law".</p>

<p>The summons&nbsp;to Kejriwal, also the national convenor of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), pertain to questioning in the alleged Delhi excise policy case and for recording his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the officials said.</p>

<p>He has to appear at the ED headquarters on December 21, they said. The development comes days after Delhi government officials said Kejriwal will leave for a 10-day Vipassana meditation course at an undisclosed location from December 19.</p>

<p>AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are among those arrested in this case by the ED and the agency is expected to file a supplementary chargesheet in the case soon.</p>

<p>After the first summons,&nbsp;AAP had alleged that Kejriwal would be arrested as part of the BJP's plan to target top INDIA bloc leaders ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the ED notice was an attempt to finish the party that is in power in Delhi and Punjab.</p>

<p>The ED has mentioned Kejriwal's name multiple times in its chargesheets filed in the case and said the accused were in touch with him regarding the preparation of the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.</p>

<p>In one instance, the agency claimed in its charge sheet that it had recorded the statement of Butchibabu, an accountant allegedly linked to BRS leader K Kavitha, in which he said that "there was a political understanding between K Kavitha and chief minister (Arvind Kejriwal) and the deputy chief minister (Sisodia)."</p>

<p>"In that process, K Kavitha also met Vijay Nair (AAP communications in-charge arrested in the case) on March 19-20, 2021." In another instance involving arrested accused Dinesh Arora, the ED said he told it that he met Kejriwal once at his residence.</p>

<p>Similarly, the ED chargesheet said, YSRCP MP Magunta Sriniavasulu Reddy also held meetings with Arvind Kejriwal who welcomed his entry into the Delhi liquor business.</p>

<p>It had said that Buchibabu and another accused Arun Pillai have revealed that they and Vijay Nair were working with the "support and sanction" of Arvind Kejriwal and AAP leader and the then Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia for all excise policy-related activities, including formulation as well as implementation.</p>

<p>It had also alleged that Vijay Nair "arranged a video call through facetime (a video calling facility on iPhone) on his phone for another arrested accused Sameer (Mahandru) and Sh Arvind Kejriwal, where Sh Arvind said to Sh Sameer that, Vijay is his boy and that Sh Sameer should trust him and carry on with him."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kejriwal had then rubbished the contents of the ED complaint saying it has "filed 5,000 chargesheets under the tenure of the current government."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"How many people have been sentenced? All the cases filed by ED are fake and they are used to topple governments or form them. ED does not file cases to eradicate corruption. They do it to buy MLAs, topple governments," Kejriwal had said.</p>

<p>It is alleged that the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22 to grant licenses to liquor traders allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who had allegedly paid bribes for it, a charge repeatedly refuted by the AAP.</p>

<p>The policy was subsequently scrapped and the Delhi lieutenant governor recommended a CBI probe, following which the ED registered a case under the PMLA.</p>


The Enforcement Directorate has issued a fresh summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning on December 21 in the excise policy-linked money laundering case, officials said Monday.

The Enforcement Directorate has issued a fresh summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning on December 21 in the excise policy-linked money laundering case, officials said Monday. He was first called by the federal agency to appear on November 2, but he did not depose alleging that the notice was "vague, motivated and unsustainable in law". The summons to Kejriwal, also the national convenor of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), pertain to questioning in the alleged Delhi excise policy case and for recording his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the officials said. He has to appear at the ED headquarters on December 21, they said. The development comes days after Delhi government officials said Kejriwal will leave for a 10-day Vipassana meditation course at an undisclosed location from December 19. AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are among those arrested in this case by the ED and the agency is expected to file a supplementary chargesheet in the case soon. After the first summons, AAP had alleged that Kejriwal would be arrested as part of the BJP's plan to target top INDIA bloc leaders ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the ED notice was an attempt to finish the party that is in power in Delhi and Punjab. The ED has mentioned Kejriwal's name multiple times in its chargesheets filed in the case and said the accused were in touch with him regarding the preparation of the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. In one instance, the agency claimed in its charge sheet that it had recorded the statement of Butchibabu, an accountant allegedly linked to BRS leader K Kavitha, in which he said that "there was a political understanding between K Kavitha and chief minister (Arvind Kejriwal) and the deputy chief minister (Sisodia)." "In that process, K Kavitha also met Vijay Nair (AAP communications in-charge arrested in the case) on March 19-20, 2021." In another instance involving arrested accused Dinesh Arora, the ED said he told it that he met Kejriwal once at his residence. Similarly, the ED chargesheet said, YSRCP MP Magunta Sriniavasulu Reddy also held meetings with Arvind Kejriwal who welcomed his entry into the Delhi liquor business. It had said that Buchibabu and another accused Arun Pillai have revealed that they and Vijay Nair were working with the "support and sanction" of Arvind Kejriwal and AAP leader and the then Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia for all excise policy-related activities, including formulation as well as implementation. It had also alleged that Vijay Nair "arranged a video call through facetime (a video calling facility on iPhone) on his phone for another arrested accused Sameer (Mahandru) and Sh Arvind Kejriwal, where Sh Arvind said to Sh Sameer that, Vijay is his boy and that Sh Sameer should trust him and carry on with him." Kejriwal had then rubbished the contents of the ED complaint saying it has "filed 5,000 chargesheets under the tenure of the current government." "How many people have been sentenced? All the cases filed by ED are fake and they are used to topple governments or form them. ED does not file cases to eradicate corruption. They do it to buy MLAs, topple governments," Kejriwal had said. It is alleged that the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22 to grant licenses to liquor traders allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who had allegedly paid bribes for it, a charge repeatedly refuted by the AAP. The policy was subsequently scrapped and the Delhi lieutenant governor recommended a CBI probe, following which the ED registered a case under the PMLA.

Fresh ED summons to Arvind Kejriwal for questioning in Delhi excise policy case

<p>The Election Commission of India&nbsp;has served show-cause notices to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly making false remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>The poll panel was acting on a complaint made by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that Gandhi made "false" and "unverified" statements against Modi at an election rally in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh state.</p>

<p>The BJP further claimed that Gandhi made a "baseless and false" claim that the Narendra Modi government had privatised public sector undertakings.</p>

<h2><strong>Second EC notice to Priyanka&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>This is the second EC notice to Priyanka amid the ongoing Assembly elections.</p>

<p>The poll panel asked her to explain her statement by 8 pm on Thursday (Nov 16).</p>

<p>Similarly, Kejriwal was asked to explain for alleged disparaging remarks made against the PM on his social media handle.</p>

<p>In its notice to the AAP, the EC stated, "The national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party is hereby called upon to explain the statements/allegations/averments, made in the alleged social media posts under reference, against a star campaigner of another national party and against the political party and by insinuation and innuendo against the candidates for the state elections and to show cause why appropriate action for violation of model code of conduct read with relevant election and penal laws should not be taken against you."</p>

<h2><strong>Poll panel acting on BJP complaint&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Kejriwal was also asked to clarify his remarks by Thursday.</p>

<p>On November 10, the BJP approached the Election Commission and demanded action against the AAP for posting "very unacceptable" and "unethical" video clips and remarks on a social media platform targeting PM Modi.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pollution-after-diwali-higher-in-9-out-of-11-cities-than-a-year-ago-658230">India: Pollution after Diwali higher in 9 out of 11 cities than a year ago, says report</a></p>

<p>The delegation comprised Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, party national media in-charge and Rajya Sabha MP Anil Baluni and party leader Om Pathak.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-mishap-may-take-2-more-days-to-rescue-40-trapped-labourers-658272">Uttarakhand tunnel mishap: May take 2 more days to rescue 40 trapped labourers, authorities say</a></p>

<p>“From its official handle, the AAP has posted a video and two posts on X in which it has said very unacceptable, reprehensible, mischievous and unethical things about the democratically elected head of the government," Puri told reporters after raising the issue with the EC.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Election Commission of India has served show-cause notices to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly making false remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Election Commission of India has served show-cause notices to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly making false remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The poll panel was acting on a complaint made by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that Gandhi made "false" and "unverified" statements against Modi at an election rally in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh state. The BJP further claimed that Gandhi made a "baseless and false" claim that the Narendra Modi government had privatised public sector undertakings. Second EC notice to Priyanka This is the second EC notice to Priyanka amid the ongoing Assembly elections. The poll panel asked her to explain her statement by 8 pm on Thursday (Nov 16). Similarly, Kejriwal was asked to explain for alleged disparaging remarks made against the PM on his social media handle. In its notice to the AAP, the EC stated, "The national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party is hereby called upon to explain the statements/allegations/averments, made in the alleged social media posts under reference, against a star campaigner of another national party and against the political party and by insinuation and innuendo against the candidates for the state elections and to show cause why appropriate action for violation of model code of conduct read with relevant election and penal laws should not be taken against you." Poll panel acting on BJP complaint Kejriwal was also asked to clarify his remarks by Thursday. On November 10, the BJP approached the Election Commission and demanded action against the AAP for posting "very unacceptable" and "unethical" video clips and remarks on a social media platform targeting PM Modi. Also read | India: Pollution after Diwali higher in 9 out of 11 cities than a year ago, says report The delegation comprised Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, party national media in-charge and Rajya Sabha MP Anil Baluni and party leader Om Pathak. Also read | Uttarakhand tunnel mishap: May take 2 more days to rescue 40 trapped labourers, authorities say “From its official handle, the AAP has posted a video and two posts on X in which it has said very unacceptable, reprehensible, mischievous and unethical things about the democratically elected head of the government," Puri told reporters after raising the issue with the EC.

Indian poll body serves notices to Priyanka Gandhi, Delhi CM Kejriwal over remarks against PM Modi

<p>The summons issued to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to appear before India's economic intelligence watchdog Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday (Nov&nbsp;2) has raised many questions. While Kejriwal has skipped the summons for now, the question remains whether ED will end up arresting the leader of the decade-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two other top AAP leaders - Manish Sisodia, the former Delhi deputy chief minister and Member of Legislative Assembly from Patparganj constituency, and Sanjay Singh, an AAP member of Indian parliament's upper house Rajya Sabha - have already been arrested in connection with an alleged excise policy scam.</p>

<h2><strong>What will happen if Arvind Kejriwal is arrested by the ED?</strong></h2>

<p>A number of AAP leaders have claimed that if Kejriwal, who was elected for the third time in 2021, is arrested, then the Delhi government will be "run from jail".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal excise policy scam investigation; ED conducts raids | WION Newspoint</strong></p>

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<p>AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj told news agency ANI about the party's plan if Kejriwal is taken into custody.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It would be decided by the senior leaders of the party. But if the whole party is in jail, then the government and the party would run from jail. And this is what the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) wants: everyone should be in jail… They want free education, free electricity, free water, free pilgrimage, hospitals, and mohalla clinics to stop but Arvind Kejriwal will not let this happen…", said Bharadwaj.</p>

<h2><strong>Is a chief minister immune from arrest?</strong></h2>

<p>India's Constitution shields the President of India and the governors of state from both civil and criminal prosecutions. Chief Ministers are not covered under this immunity during their tenure in office.</p>

<p>Serving prime ministers too are not immune from prosecution or arrest.<br />
<br />
Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was prosecuted by Allahabad High Court in 1975 for electoral malpractices. While the court did not give her a jail-term, it declared the election verdict in the Rae Bareilly Lok Sabha constituency "null and void", and barred Gandhi from holding elected office for six years.</p>

<p>No chief minister or prime minister serving in office has ever been arrested before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav resigned as chief minister following the issuance of an arrest warrant in connection with the fodder scam scandal.<br />
<br />
Before Lalu surrendered himself, his wife Rabri Devi was sworn in as the chief minister of Bihar and elected as the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal's legislative party in his presence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The summons issued to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to appear before India's economic intelligence watchdog Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday (Nov 2) has raised many questions.

The summons issued to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to appear before India's economic intelligence watchdog Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday (Nov 2) has raised many questions. While Kejriwal has skipped the summons for now, the question remains whether ED will end up arresting the leader of the decade-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Two other top AAP leaders - Manish Sisodia, the former Delhi deputy chief minister and Member of Legislative Assembly from Patparganj constituency, and Sanjay Singh, an AAP member of Indian parliament's upper house Rajya Sabha - have already been arrested in connection with an alleged excise policy scam. What will happen if Arvind Kejriwal is arrested by the ED? A number of AAP leaders have claimed that if Kejriwal, who was elected for the third time in 2021, is arrested, then the Delhi government will be "run from jail". Also watch | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal excise policy scam investigation; ED conducts raids | WION Newspoint × AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj told news agency ANI about the party's plan if Kejriwal is taken into custody. "It would be decided by the senior leaders of the party. But if the whole party is in jail, then the government and the party would run from jail. And this is what the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) wants: everyone should be in jail… They want free education, free electricity, free water, free pilgrimage, hospitals, and mohalla clinics to stop but Arvind Kejriwal will not let this happen…", said Bharadwaj. Is a chief minister immune from arrest? India's Constitution shields the President of India and the governors of state from both civil and criminal prosecutions. Chief Ministers are not covered under this immunity during their tenure in office. Serving prime ministers too are not immune from prosecution or arrest. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was prosecuted by Allahabad High Court in 1975 for electoral malpractices. While the court did not give her a jail-term, it declared the election verdict in the Rae Bareilly Lok Sabha constituency "null and void", and barred Gandhi from holding elected office for six years. No chief minister or prime minister serving in office has ever been arrested before. Former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav resigned as chief minister following the issuance of an arrest warrant in connection with the fodder scam scandal. Before Lalu surrendered himself, his wife Rabri Devi was sworn in as the chief minister of Bihar and elected as the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal's legislative party in his presence. (With inputs from agencies)

India: What will happen if Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is detained by Enforcement Directorate?

The sources claim that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been summoned under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and that the agency would record his statement after he appears before the case's investigating officer in Delhi.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal excise policy scam investigation; ED conducts raids | WION Newspoint

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. He is likely to appear before ED on November 2. But why is Arvind Kejriwal summoned?

Why has ED summoned Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal?

<p>The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning in an excise policy-linked money-laundering case on November 2, official sources said on Monday.<br />
<br />
Kejriwal (55) has been issued the summons under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and according to the sources, the agency will record his statement once he deposes before the investigating officer of the case in Delhi.</p>

<p>The Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) national convenor has been asked to depose at the ED's Delhi office at 11 am (local time)&nbsp;on November 2, the sources said.<br />
<br />
This is the first time that Kejriwal has been summoned by the ED. He was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case in April.<br />
<br />
Reacting to the summons, Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said it is clear that the BJP-led Centre's only goal is to finish the AAP.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-why-was-manish-sisodia-arrested-by-the-cbi-everything-about-the-delhi-liquor-scam-566442">EXPLAINED | Why was Manish Sisodia arrested by the CBI? Everything about the Delhi liquor scam</a></strong></p>

<p>"They are leaving no stone unturned to frame Kejriwal in a fake case and send him to jail," Bharadwaj said.<br />
<br />
The ED has mentioned Kejriwal's name multiple times in its chargesheets filed in the case and said the accused were in touch with him regarding the preparation of the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.<br />
<br />
The ED has claimed in one of the chargesheets that it has recorded the statement of Butchibabu, an accountant allegedly linked to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, in which he said "there was political understanding between K Kavitha and the chief minister (Kejriwal) and (former) deputy chief minister (Manish Sisodia). In that process, K Kavitha also met Vijay Nair (AAP communications in-charge arrested in the case) on March 19-20, 2021".<br />
<br />
In an another instance involving arrested accused Dinesh Arora, the ED said he told the agency that he had met Kejriwal once at his residence.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-excise-policy-scam-cases-sc-rejects-bail-pleas-of-ex-deputy-cm-manish-sisodia-652919">Delhi excise policy scam cases: India SC rejects bail pleas of ex-deputy CM Manish Sisodia</a></strong></p>

<p>Similarly, the ED chargesheet said YSRCP MP Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy also held meetings with Kejriwal, wherein the AAP leader welcomed his entry into the Delhi liquor business.</p>

<p>It had said Buchibabu and another accused, Arun Pillai, have revealed that they and Nair were working with the "support and sanction" of Kejriwal and Sisodia for all the excise policy-related activities, including its formulation and implementation.<br />
<br />
It had also alleged that Nair "arranged a video call through facetime (a video-calling facility on iPhone) on his phone for another arrested accused, Sameer (Mahendru), and Sh Arvind Kejriwal, where Sh Arvind said to Sh Sameer that Vijay is his boy and that Sh Sameer should trust him and carry on with him".<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Kejriwal had then rubbished the contents of the ED complaint, saying the agency has "filed 5,000 chargesheets under the tenure of the current government".<br />
<br />
"How many people have been sentenced? All the cases filed by the ED are fake and they are used to topple governments or form them. The ED does not file cases to eradicate corruption. They do it to buy MLAs, topple governments. There is a question on the ED chargesheet," he had said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-politician-manish-sisodia-arrested-by-indias-top-investigation-body-in-liquor-policy-row-566115">India: Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia arrested by CBI in liquor policy graft case</a></strong><br />
<br />
It is alleged that the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22 to grant licences to liquor traders allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who allegedly paid bribes for it, a charge strongly refuted by the AAP.<br />
<br />
The policy was subsequently scrapped and the Delhi lieutenant governor recommended a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in its implementation, following which the ED registered a case under the PMLA.<br />
<br />
In a related development, the Supreme Court rejected two separate bail pleas of Sisodia in corruption and money-laundering cases related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam and said a transfer of Rs 338 crore was tentatively established in the matter.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning in an excise policy-linked money-laundering case on November 2, official sources said on Monday.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning in an excise policy-linked money-laundering case on November 2, official sources said on Monday. Kejriwal (55) has been issued the summons under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and according to the sources, the agency will record his statement once he deposes before the investigating officer of the case in Delhi. The Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) national convenor has been asked to depose at the ED's Delhi office at 11 am (local time) on November 2, the sources said. This is the first time that Kejriwal has been summoned by the ED. He was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case in April. Reacting to the summons, Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said it is clear that the BJP-led Centre's only goal is to finish the AAP. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED | Why was Manish Sisodia arrested by the CBI? Everything about the Delhi liquor scam "They are leaving no stone unturned to frame Kejriwal in a fake case and send him to jail," Bharadwaj said. The ED has mentioned Kejriwal's name multiple times in its chargesheets filed in the case and said the accused were in touch with him regarding the preparation of the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. The ED has claimed in one of the chargesheets that it has recorded the statement of Butchibabu, an accountant allegedly linked to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, in which he said "there was political understanding between K Kavitha and the chief minister (Kejriwal) and (former) deputy chief minister (Manish Sisodia). In that process, K Kavitha also met Vijay Nair (AAP communications in-charge arrested in the case) on March 19-20, 2021". In an another instance involving arrested accused Dinesh Arora, the ED said he told the agency that he had met Kejriwal once at his residence. ALSO READ | Delhi excise policy scam cases: India SC rejects bail pleas of ex-deputy CM Manish Sisodia Similarly, the ED chargesheet said YSRCP MP Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy also held meetings with Kejriwal, wherein the AAP leader welcomed his entry into the Delhi liquor business. It had said Buchibabu and another accused, Arun Pillai, have revealed that they and Nair were working with the "support and sanction" of Kejriwal and Sisodia for all the excise policy-related activities, including its formulation and implementation. It had also alleged that Nair "arranged a video call through facetime (a video-calling facility on iPhone) on his phone for another arrested accused, Sameer (Mahendru), and Sh Arvind Kejriwal, where Sh Arvind said to Sh Sameer that Vijay is his boy and that Sh Sameer should trust him and carry on with him". Kejriwal had then rubbished the contents of the ED complaint, saying the agency has "filed 5,000 chargesheets under the tenure of the current government". "How many people have been sentenced? All the cases filed by the ED are fake and they are used to topple governments or form them. The ED does not file cases to eradicate corruption. They do it to buy MLAs, topple governments. There is a question on the ED chargesheet," he had said. ALSO READ | India: Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia arrested by CBI in liquor policy graft case It is alleged that the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22 to grant licences to liquor traders allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who allegedly paid bribes for it, a charge strongly refuted by the AAP. The policy was subsequently scrapped and the Delhi lieutenant governor recommended a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in its implementation, following which the ED registered a case under the PMLA. In a related development, the Supreme Court rejected two separate bail pleas of Sisodia in corruption and money-laundering cases related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam and said a transfer of Rs 338 crore was tentatively established in the matter. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: ED summons Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on November 2 for questioning over excise policy case

<p>Delhi’s ruling party and a member of the opposition ‘INDIA’ bloc, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is protesting across the country against the detention of one of its top leaders in a corruption case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Member of Parliament (MP) from the upper house (Rajya Sabha) of the Indian Parliament, Sanjay Singh was arrested by financial watchdog Enforcement Directorate (ED) for his alleged involvement in the liquor policy scam.</p>

<p>Earlier on Wednesday (Oct 4), his residence in Delhi was raided by the ED.</p>

<p>The raids against Singh took place after he was named by businessman Dinesh Arora, an accused in the case, who later turned 'approver'.</p>

<h2><strong>AAP to stage protests nationwide</strong></h2>

<p>AAP on Thursday (Oct 5) was staging protests outside the headquarters of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi. Similar protests are also being held opposite the ED office in Mumbai.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | AAP workers protest outside BJP headquarters in Delhi against the ED arrest of party MP Sanjay Singh. <a href="https://t.co/TxBgXLoboI">pic.twitter.com/TxBgXLoboI</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1709824726330204361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Barely 100 metres from the ED office, the policemen stopped AAP workers, infuriating them and leading to a clash. Many leaders were soon detained.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mumbai: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAP</a> workers held protest outside <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ED?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ED</a> office against arrest of AAP MP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanjaySingh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanjaySingh</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanjaySinghArrested?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanjaySinghArrested</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EnforcementDirectorate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EnforcementDirectorate</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanjaySinghAAP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanjaySinghAAP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cliQIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cliQIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/QSfQTFvGQY">pic.twitter.com/QSfQTFvGQY</a></p>
— cliQ India (@cliQIndiaMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/cliQIndiaMedia/status/1709824023583215672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Protests were also held at Sanjay Singh’s residence in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Singh’s arrest has already sparked a political controversy, with AAP’s top leader and Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal stating that the move showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anxiety.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Earthquake measuring 6.2 reported in Nepal; Tremors felt in parts of northern Delhi</strong></p>

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<p>“They have arrested Sanjay Singh, a powerful advocate against Modi ji’s corruption. He is completely steeped in corruption from top to bottom. I believe he is the most corrupt prime minister in the history of independent India,” Kejriwal said.</p>

<h2><strong>Third high-profile arrest</strong></h2>

<p>This marks the third significant arrest involving the AAP. In May of the previous year, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain was apprehended on charges of money laundering, which allegedly involved four companies associated with him.</p>

<p>However, the most substantial blow to the party came in February of this year when the then Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and close associate of Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, was arrested by the CBI in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-delhi-ncr-remains-top-in-worst-pollution-rankings-mizoram-has-cleanest-air-642548"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India: Delhi-NCR remains top in worst polluted city rankings, Mizoram has cleanest air</strong></a></p>

<p>The liquor policy case is currently under investigation by both the CBI and the ED. This policy, introduced in November 2021, entailed the government's withdrawal from the retail sale of liquor, allowing private licensees to operate stores.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In July 2022, Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar raised concerns about significant violations in the policy and alleged that liquor license holders had received "undue benefits."</p>

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Delhi’s ruling party and a member of the opposition ‘INDIA’ bloc, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is protesting across the country against the detention of one of its top leaders in a corruption case.

Delhi’s ruling party and a member of the opposition ‘INDIA’ bloc, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is protesting across the country against the detention of one of its top leaders in a corruption case. A Member of Parliament (MP) from the upper house (Rajya Sabha) of the Indian Parliament, Sanjay Singh was arrested by financial watchdog Enforcement Directorate (ED) for his alleged involvement in the liquor policy scam. Earlier on Wednesday (Oct 4), his residence in Delhi was raided by the ED. The raids against Singh took place after he was named by businessman Dinesh Arora, an accused in the case, who later turned 'approver'. AAP to stage protests nationwide AAP on Thursday (Oct 5) was staging protests outside the headquarters of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi. Similar protests are also being held opposite the ED office in Mumbai. VIDEO | AAP workers protest outside BJP headquarters in Delhi against the ED arrest of party MP Sanjay Singh. pic.twitter.com/TxBgXLoboI — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 5, 2023 × Barely 100 metres from the ED office, the policemen stopped AAP workers, infuriating them and leading to a clash. Many leaders were soon detained. Mumbai: #AAP workers held protest outside #ED office against arrest of AAP MP #SanjaySingh#SanjaySinghArrested #EnforcementDirectorate #SanjaySinghAAP #cliQIndia pic.twitter.com/QSfQTFvGQY — cliQ India (@cliQIndiaMedia) October 5, 2023 × Protests were also held at Sanjay Singh’s residence in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Singh’s arrest has already sparked a political controversy, with AAP’s top leader and Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal stating that the move showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anxiety. Watch: Earthquake measuring 6.2 reported in Nepal; Tremors felt in parts of northern Delhi × “They have arrested Sanjay Singh, a powerful advocate against Modi ji’s corruption. He is completely steeped in corruption from top to bottom. I believe he is the most corrupt prime minister in the history of independent India,” Kejriwal said. Third high-profile arrest This marks the third significant arrest involving the AAP. In May of the previous year, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain was apprehended on charges of money laundering, which allegedly involved four companies associated with him. However, the most substantial blow to the party came in February of this year when the then Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and close associate of Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, was arrested by the CBI in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam. Also read: India: Delhi-NCR remains top in worst polluted city rankings, Mizoram has cleanest air The liquor policy case is currently under investigation by both the CBI and the ED. This policy, introduced in November 2021, entailed the government's withdrawal from the retail sale of liquor, allowing private licensees to operate stores. In July 2022, Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar raised concerns about significant violations in the policy and alleged that liquor license holders had received "undue benefits." WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Delhi’s AAP stages protests across nation against arrest of its MP Sanjay Singh

<p>Festivities are all set to begin for Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha's wedding from September 22. The Bollywood star will be tying the knot with Aam Aadmi Party MP in Udaipur on September 24.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The wedding is a high-profile one and it is expected that Bollywood celebrities and politicians will be attending the functions spread across two days in various locations in Udaipur. According to reports, Chief ministers of Delhi, Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan – Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann, Bhupesh Baghel and Ashok Gehlot will be in attendance.</p>

<p>According to a report in India Today, Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha will be reaching Udaipur on the morning of September 22. A source revealed, “Raghav Chadha and Parineeti Chopra will arrive in Udaipur by 9.25 am. Then they will go to The Leela Palace, where all functions will be held.”<br />
<br />
The same report also states that Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann, Bhupesh Baghel and Ashok Gehlot will be heading to Udaipur before September 24. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will reach Udaipur Dabok Airport on September 22 evening and will stay at the Taj Lake Palace.</p>

<p>Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha's wedding festivities and celebrations will take place between September 23 to 24 at The Leela Palace, Udaipur. Parineeti's cousin, actress Priyanka Chopra is likely to attend the wedding festivities. It is not known yet if her husband, singer Nick Jonas will be attending the functions or not. Only close friends and family members will be attending the wedding. Since its a closed affair, reports claim that guests will not be allowed to use phones during the wedding.&nbsp;</p>

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Festivities are all set to begin for Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha's wedding from September 22. The Bollywood star will be tying the knot with Aam Aadmi Party MP in Udaipur on September 24.

Festivities are all set to begin for Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha's wedding from September 22. The Bollywood star will be tying the knot with Aam Aadmi Party MP in Udaipur on September 24. The wedding is a high-profile one and it is expected that Bollywood celebrities and politicians will be attending the functions spread across two days in various locations in Udaipur. According to reports, Chief ministers of Delhi, Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan – Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann, Bhupesh Baghel and Ashok Gehlot will be in attendance. According to a report in India Today, Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha will be reaching Udaipur on the morning of September 22. A source revealed, “Raghav Chadha and Parineeti Chopra will arrive in Udaipur by 9.25 am. Then they will go to The Leela Palace, where all functions will be held.” The same report also states that Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann, Bhupesh Baghel and Ashok Gehlot will be heading to Udaipur before September 24. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will reach Udaipur Dabok Airport on September 22 evening and will stay at the Taj Lake Palace. Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha's wedding festivities and celebrations will take place between September 23 to 24 at The Leela Palace, Udaipur. Parineeti's cousin, actress Priyanka Chopra is likely to attend the wedding festivities. It is not known yet if her husband, singer Nick Jonas will be attending the functions or not. Only close friends and family members will be attending the wedding. Since its a closed affair, reports claim that guests will not be allowed to use phones during the wedding.

Parineeti Chopra-Raghav Chadha wedding: Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann to attend 

Two Aam Aadmi Party leaders created a major political stir on Wednesday. They pitched party leader Arvind Kejriwal's name for the PM face from the opposition’s INDIA bloc. Even though it was their personal opinion, a political stir was already erupted.

Will Arvind Kejriwal be the face of 'INDIA' bloc?

<p>The Delhi Services Bill was passed on Monday (August 7) by Rajya Sabha, a big win for India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it gives the central government control over bureaucrats in the Delhi government. The legislation, formally known as the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeks to replace an ordinance on the handling of transfers and postings of officials in the Delhi government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill was earlier passed the Lok Sabha by a voice vote on Thursday. Rajya Sabha approved it with 131 votes in favour and 102 against, which was a challenge for the government as the ruling NDA is yet to cross the majority mark in the upper house of the parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Home Minister Amit Shah defended the bill saying it is aimed at providing effective and corruption-free governance in the national capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-is-delhi-services-bill-how-will-it-affect-national-capitals-governance-623158">What is Delhi Services Bill? How will it affect Indian capital's governance?</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The legislation was opposed by the Opposition bloc INDIA and the BRS. They said that it was "unconstitutional, undemocratic and against the spirit of federalism".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Naveen Patnaik's BJD and the YSRCP supported the bill, wasting the efforts of the Opposition, including bringing former prime minister Manmohan Singh in a wheelchair and an ailing Shibu Soren to the House.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Replying on the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha. <a href="https://t.co/4ttRqrSH2E">https://t.co/4ttRqrSH2E</a></p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1688562440982937600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Kejriwal slams PM Modi&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "PM Modi does not obey the Supreme Court's order. The public had clearly said that the Centre should not interfere in Delhi by defeating them, but PM does not want to listen to the public."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kejriwal called it a "black day in the history of India's democracy".&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Home Minister Shah, who moved the bill, has claimed that the Delhi services bill doesn't violate an earlier Supreme Court judgment.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi | On Delhi Services Bill passed in Rajya Sabha, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "PM Modi does not obey the Supreme Court's order. The public had clearly said that the Centre should not interfere in Delhi by defeating them, but PM does not want to listen to the public." <a href="https://t.co/Y25XLo7BF2">pic.twitter.com/Y25XLo7BF2</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1688594224760197121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Delhi Services Bill was passed on Monday (August 7) by Rajya Sabha, a big win for India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it gives the central government control over bureaucrats in the Delhi government.

The Delhi Services Bill was passed on Monday (August 7) by Rajya Sabha, a big win for India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it gives the central government control over bureaucrats in the Delhi government. The legislation, formally known as the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeks to replace an ordinance on the handling of transfers and postings of officials in the Delhi government. The bill was earlier passed the Lok Sabha by a voice vote on Thursday. Rajya Sabha approved it with 131 votes in favour and 102 against, which was a challenge for the government as the ruling NDA is yet to cross the majority mark in the upper house of the parliament. Home Minister Amit Shah defended the bill saying it is aimed at providing effective and corruption-free governance in the national capital. Also read: What is Delhi Services Bill? How will it affect Indian capital's governance? The legislation was opposed by the Opposition bloc INDIA and the BRS. They said that it was "unconstitutional, undemocratic and against the spirit of federalism". Naveen Patnaik's BJD and the YSRCP supported the bill, wasting the efforts of the Opposition, including bringing former prime minister Manmohan Singh in a wheelchair and an ailing Shibu Soren to the House. Replying on the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha. https://t.co/4ttRqrSH2E — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 7, 2023 × Kejriwal slams PM Modi Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "PM Modi does not obey the Supreme Court's order. The public had clearly said that the Centre should not interfere in Delhi by defeating them, but PM does not want to listen to the public." Kejriwal called it a "black day in the history of India's democracy". But Home Minister Shah, who moved the bill, has claimed that the Delhi services bill doesn't violate an earlier Supreme Court judgment. Delhi | On Delhi Services Bill passed in Rajya Sabha, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "PM Modi does not obey the Supreme Court's order. The public had clearly said that the Centre should not interfere in Delhi by defeating them, but PM does not want to listen to the public." pic.twitter.com/Y25XLo7BF2 — ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2023 × (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Parliament passes Delhi services bill, Kejriwal calls it 'black day' in history of India's democracy

<p>Indian national capital's Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has announced a plan to install 500 water ATMs across the city to provide drinking water treated using the Reverse Osmosis (RO) process to residents in slums and densely populated areas.</p>

<p>During an inspection of an RO plant in Delhi's Mayapuri, Kejriwal revealed that four water ATMs have already been installed, with 500 more planned for the first phase.</p>

<h2><strong>20 litres per person</strong></h2>

<p>Each person will reportedly receive a card that allows them to draw 20 litres of purified water per day from these ATMs. The ATMs will be strategically placed near slums and other areas where laying pipelines for water supply is challenging. Water sourced from tube wells will be treated at the RO plants before being distributed through the water ATMs.</p>

<p>Kejriwal emphasised that this initiative aims to ensure that even economically disadvantaged individuals have access to safe drinking water.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-businessman-loses-7-million-while-online-gambling-suspect-flees-police-618914">Indian businessman loses $7 million while online gambling, suspect flees: Police</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking to reporters, the chief minister, as per a Hindustan Times report, said: "This card is like a water ATM. Through this, each person will get 20 litres of purified water in areas with inadequate drinking water facilities."</p>

<p>"We know rich people install RO at their home, but now poor people will drink the same water," he remarked.</p>

<h2><strong>How the 'Water ATM' will work</strong></h2>

<p>The water ATMs, as per a PTI report, will function like a water bank, offering purified water to those living in areas with inadequate drinking water facilities.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) received directives from the chief minister to address the issue of contaminated water in various parts of the city. As part of the plan, RO-based purification plants will be set up in 20 slum clusters across Delhi to provide clean drinking water.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-coffeehouse-chain-cafe-coffee-day-faces-bankruptcy-618856">Indian coffeehouse chain Café Coffee Day faces bankruptcy</a></strong></p>

<p>As per an official statement released after the meeting, Kejriwal told senior officials that the priority is to "completely" eliminate the problem of contaminated water supply in the city.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Community ROs are being installed in JJ colonies by Delhi govt. on instructions of CM <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a>. No more waiting for tankers, no more queues, no fighting, BIS standard quality as water is available 24*7 through automated water dispensers. <a href="https://t.co/trgRb4Thwr">pic.twitter.com/trgRb4Thwr</a></p>
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<p>"If there is a problem of contaminated water supply in an area, it should be eliminated completely. The identification of the areas where contaminated water is being received should be done immediately, and a detailed plan should be submitted for its permanent solution and implementation," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian national capital's Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has announced a plan to install 500 water ATMs across the city to provide drinking water treated using the Reverse Osmosis (RO) process to residents in slums and densely populated areas.

Indian national capital's Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has announced a plan to install 500 water ATMs across the city to provide drinking water treated using the Reverse Osmosis (RO) process to residents in slums and densely populated areas. During an inspection of an RO plant in Delhi's Mayapuri, Kejriwal revealed that four water ATMs have already been installed, with 500 more planned for the first phase. 20 litres per person Each person will reportedly receive a card that allows them to draw 20 litres of purified water per day from these ATMs. The ATMs will be strategically placed near slums and other areas where laying pipelines for water supply is challenging. Water sourced from tube wells will be treated at the RO plants before being distributed through the water ATMs. Kejriwal emphasised that this initiative aims to ensure that even economically disadvantaged individuals have access to safe drinking water. Also read | Indian businessman loses $7 million while online gambling, suspect flees: Police Talking to reporters, the chief minister, as per a Hindustan Times report, said: "This card is like a water ATM. Through this, each person will get 20 litres of purified water in areas with inadequate drinking water facilities." "We know rich people install RO at their home, but now poor people will drink the same water," he remarked. How the 'Water ATM' will work The water ATMs, as per a PTI report, will function like a water bank, offering purified water to those living in areas with inadequate drinking water facilities. Earlier this year, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) received directives from the chief minister to address the issue of contaminated water in various parts of the city. As part of the plan, RO-based purification plants will be set up in 20 slum clusters across Delhi to provide clean drinking water. Also read | Indian coffeehouse chain Café Coffee Day faces bankruptcy As per an official statement released after the meeting, Kejriwal told senior officials that the priority is to "completely" eliminate the problem of contaminated water supply in the city. Community ROs are being installed in JJ colonies by Delhi govt. on instructions of CM @ArvindKejriwal. No more waiting for tankers, no more queues, no fighting, BIS standard quality as water is available 24*7 through automated water dispensers. pic.twitter.com/trgRb4Thwr — Ankit Srivastava (@ankit_delhii) July 20, 2023 × "If there is a problem of contaminated water supply in an area, it should be eliminated completely. The identification of the areas where contaminated water is being received should be done immediately, and a detailed plan should be submitted for its permanent solution and implementation," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kejriwal's water ATM initiative to bridge gap in access to drinking water between the rich and poor

<p>The battle lines have been drawn and&nbsp;trenches dug ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India. The opposition has huddled in a camp in the southern city of Bengaluru by inviting 26 like-minded parties to join forces and beat the BJP-led NDA which claims to have 38 parties in its fold.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While BJP initially laughed off attempts by the opposition to coalesce together to stage a fightback, it has seemingly pulled its socks in the last few days.&nbsp;BJP President JP Nadda on Monday (July 17) launched a full-blown attack on the opposition joint meeting saying NDA was the only ideal coalition to “serve” and “strengthen” the country.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>NDA attempts to rattle joint opposition</strong></h2>

<p>“The BJP is the only party that, since it came into existence, has pursued issues ideologically — be it the Ram Temple or Article 370, we have always stood for a strong nation. We were for nuclear tests and Atalji (Bihari Vajpayee) went ahead with them… We have been consistent. And it’s an ideological journey… Some people understand us today, some tomorrow. If not today, we will get them after five or 10 years,” Nadda said.</p>

<p>He added that 38 parties under the NDA umbrella will be&nbsp;meeting on Tuesday (July 18), with the talks&nbsp;scheduled to start just after 4 pm when the opposition wraps up its meeting in Bengaluru.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Opposition charts a path&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, on Tuesday, the opposition will be assembling for the second day at a five-star hotel in Bengaluru where proceedings were kicked off with a grand dinner meeting late Monday night. Ahead of the meeting,&nbsp;Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said “well begun is half done” and sounded optimistic that the parties will finally pull through.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The likes of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin among others were present during the dinner - sending a message to the saffron party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As for the agenda of the meeting, the opposition camp said it was&nbsp;here to 'save democracy' in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are not here to come to power, we are here to save the world's biggest democracy.&nbsp;&nbsp;We will decide in this meeting what will be the future course of action," read a statement released.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/we-have-decided-to-fight-elections-together-says-nitish-kumar-after-opposition-meet-608017"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;We have decided to fight elections together', says Nitish Kumar after opposition meet</strong></a></p>

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<p>The joint opposition, in its draft agenda, has talked about setting up a subcommittee for drafting the common minimum programme and&nbsp;communications points. Additionally, the alliance is set to discuss&nbsp;seat sharing on a state-to-state basis and a new name for the coalition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will take all decisions in the meeting. I cannot tell now what issues will be discussed. We are not alone in the meeting, there are other parties. We will discuss in the meeting tomorrow whether UPA will remain the name or something else," said Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal when quizzed about the name change.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tuesday's meeting will also see the attendance of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar who seemingly gave a miss to the proceedings on the first day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/here-to-save-democracy-opposition-parties-convene-in-bengaluru-for-mega-meeting-616402"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Here to save democracy...': Indian opposition parties convene in Bengaluru for mega meeting</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, this is not the first time that the opposition has joined hands and attempted to put up a strong front.&nbsp;Earlier, such opposition unit (Third front) was forged, at least on paper, to challenge the duopoly of BJP and Congress. But&nbsp;in recent times, Congress has also joined the smaller parties after witnessing its vote count shrink considerably in the last two general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The battle lines have been drawn and trenches dug ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India. The opposition has huddled in a camp in the southern city of Bengaluru by inviting 26 like-minded parties to join forces and beat the BJP-led NDA which claims to have 38 parties in its fold.

The battle lines have been drawn and trenches dug ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India. The opposition has huddled in a camp in the southern city of Bengaluru by inviting 26 like-minded parties to join forces and beat the BJP-led NDA which claims to have 38 parties in its fold. While BJP initially laughed off attempts by the opposition to coalesce together to stage a fightback, it has seemingly pulled its socks in the last few days. BJP President JP Nadda on Monday (July 17) launched a full-blown attack on the opposition joint meeting saying NDA was the only ideal coalition to “serve” and “strengthen” the country. NDA attempts to rattle joint opposition “The BJP is the only party that, since it came into existence, has pursued issues ideologically — be it the Ram Temple or Article 370, we have always stood for a strong nation. We were for nuclear tests and Atalji (Bihari Vajpayee) went ahead with them… We have been consistent. And it’s an ideological journey… Some people understand us today, some tomorrow. If not today, we will get them after five or 10 years,” Nadda said. He added that 38 parties under the NDA umbrella will be meeting on Tuesday (July 18), with the talks scheduled to start just after 4 pm when the opposition wraps up its meeting in Bengaluru. Opposition charts a path Notably, on Tuesday, the opposition will be assembling for the second day at a five-star hotel in Bengaluru where proceedings were kicked off with a grand dinner meeting late Monday night. Ahead of the meeting, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said “well begun is half done” and sounded optimistic that the parties will finally pull through. The likes of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin among others were present during the dinner - sending a message to the saffron party. As for the agenda of the meeting, the opposition camp said it was here to 'save democracy' in the country. "We are not here to come to power, we are here to save the world's biggest democracy. We will decide in this meeting what will be the future course of action," read a statement released. Watch | We have decided to fight elections together', says Nitish Kumar after opposition meet × The joint opposition, in its draft agenda, has talked about setting up a subcommittee for drafting the common minimum programme and communications points. Additionally, the alliance is set to discuss seat sharing on a state-to-state basis and a new name for the coalition. "We will take all decisions in the meeting. I cannot tell now what issues will be discussed. We are not alone in the meeting, there are other parties. We will discuss in the meeting tomorrow whether UPA will remain the name or something else," said Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal when quizzed about the name change. Tuesday's meeting will also see the attendance of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar who seemingly gave a miss to the proceedings on the first day. Also read | 'Here to save democracy...': Indian opposition parties convene in Bengaluru for mega meeting Notably, this is not the first time that the opposition has joined hands and attempted to put up a strong front. Earlier, such opposition unit (Third front) was forged, at least on paper, to challenge the duopoly of BJP and Congress. But in recent times, Congress has also joined the smaller parties after witnessing its vote count shrink considerably in the last two general elections. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

38 vs 26: India's ruling NDA and opposition parties hold meetings to assert dominance

<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal released a statement on Monday saying that there is no flood threat in Delhi from the rising&nbsp;water level of Yamuna after heavy rains lashed the national capital and adjoining areas.</p>

<p>He further said that all the other political parties should not play blame games, asserting that now was not the time to "point fingers" at each other.</p>

<p>"A flood-like situation unlikely to arise in Delhi. Government is prepared to deal with any situation," he said while addressing a press conference after a meeting to review the city's handling of the heavy rainfall.</p>

<p>Kejriwal said, "It is not the time to point fingers and single out anybody." He further added that evacuation of people from low-lying areas around Yamuna will begin once the river breaches the 206-metre mark.</p>

<p>Citing reports of the Central Water Commission (CWC), Kejriwal said, "Yamuna river flowing at 203.58 metres in Delhi. It is expected to reach 205.5 metres tomorrow morning. Also, according to weather predictions, the water level in Yamuna is not expected to rise too high. A flood-like situation is unlikely. If Yamuna crosses the 206-metre mark, then we will start evacuation along the banks of the river."</p>

<p>The Delhi CM also commented on the potholes in the city saying that those will be filled with stones to prevent accidents. He further said that the New Delhi Municipal Corporation has been asked to resolve waterlogging issues faced by locals.</p>

<p>He further said that there will be an inquiry into the incidents of roads caving in, adding that the state governments in north India were reaching out to the people affected by the torrential rains.</p>

<p>"All the political parties will have to coordinate and seek ways to provide relief to the people. Northern India was pounded with unpreceded rains over the last few days," the Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor said.</p>

<p>He mentioned that Delhi received the highest rainfall in July since 1982. "There are reports that people are facing a lot of problems in other adjoining areas as well. In such a situation, we all have to come forward and help each other", Kejriwal said.</p>

<p>He then said that the Delhi government has directed its officials to reach out to the people after heavy rains caused chaos in the city.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-monsoon-mayhem-submerges-parts-of-indias-north-at-least-12-dead-so-far-613612">Watch | Monsoon mayhem submerges parts of India's north; at least 12 dead</a></p>

<p>The IMD issued an orange alert for Monday in the national capital.</p>

<h2><strong>Waterlogging&nbsp;and traffic congestion in the national capital</strong></h2>

<p>This excessive rainfall has caused waterlogging in several areas of the national capital, resulting in severe traffic congestion.</p>

<p>In a span of 24 hours, Delhi recorded a remarkable 153 mm of rainfall, the highest for a single day in July since 1982.</p>

<p>Over the weekend, heavy rain persisted in Delhi and its adjacent National Capital Region (NCR), leading to waterlogging and power outages in various parts of Gurugram.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal released a statement on Monday saying that there is no flood threat in Delhi from the rising water level of Yamuna after heavy rains lashed the national capital and adjoining areas.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal released a statement on Monday saying that there is no flood threat in Delhi from the rising water level of Yamuna after heavy rains lashed the national capital and adjoining areas. He further said that all the other political parties should not play blame games, asserting that now was not the time to "point fingers" at each other. "A flood-like situation unlikely to arise in Delhi. Government is prepared to deal with any situation," he said while addressing a press conference after a meeting to review the city's handling of the heavy rainfall. Kejriwal said, "It is not the time to point fingers and single out anybody." He further added that evacuation of people from low-lying areas around Yamuna will begin once the river breaches the 206-metre mark. Citing reports of the Central Water Commission (CWC), Kejriwal said, "Yamuna river flowing at 203.58 metres in Delhi. It is expected to reach 205.5 metres tomorrow morning. Also, according to weather predictions, the water level in Yamuna is not expected to rise too high. A flood-like situation is unlikely. If Yamuna crosses the 206-metre mark, then we will start evacuation along the banks of the river." The Delhi CM also commented on the potholes in the city saying that those will be filled with stones to prevent accidents. He further said that the New Delhi Municipal Corporation has been asked to resolve waterlogging issues faced by locals. He further said that there will be an inquiry into the incidents of roads caving in, adding that the state governments in north India were reaching out to the people affected by the torrential rains. "All the political parties will have to coordinate and seek ways to provide relief to the people. Northern India was pounded with unpreceded rains over the last few days," the Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor said. He mentioned that Delhi received the highest rainfall in July since 1982. "There are reports that people are facing a lot of problems in other adjoining areas as well. In such a situation, we all have to come forward and help each other", Kejriwal said. He then said that the Delhi government has directed its officials to reach out to the people after heavy rains caused chaos in the city. Also read: Watch | Monsoon mayhem submerges parts of India's north; at least 12 dead The IMD issued an orange alert for Monday in the national capital. Waterlogging and traffic congestion in the national capital This excessive rainfall has caused waterlogging in several areas of the national capital, resulting in severe traffic congestion. In a span of 24 hours, Delhi recorded a remarkable 153 mm of rainfall, the highest for a single day in July since 1982. Over the weekend, heavy rain persisted in Delhi and its adjacent National Capital Region (NCR), leading to waterlogging and power outages in various parts of Gurugram. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

No flood situation in Delhi, says CM Arvind Kejriwal following rise in water level of Yamuna

<p>Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of the national capital of India,&nbsp;Delhi, on Wednesday, started crying while thinking of&nbsp;and missing his former deputy minister Manish Sisodia while speaking at the inauguration of a new school in the Bawana area of the city. Kejriwal stated that the education of school students in Delhi was and will remain Sisodia's dream.</p>

<p>Aam Aadmi Party leader Sisodia, who has been serving a prison sentence in Tihar Jail in connection with the liquor excise policy case, was the education minister of the national capital till he had to quit in March due to his arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Those people (seen by many as a reference to rivals Bharatiya Janata Party) want the education revolution of Delhi to end and (we) will not let it end," said Kejriwal, while speaking at the event as he slammed the fabricated charges because of which Sisodia was jailed.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-woman-stabs-flatmate-to-death-after-drunken-argument-cm-kejriwal-urges-lt-gov-to-do-something-598349">Delhi woman stabs flatmate to death after drunken argument; CM Kejriwal urges Lt. Gov to 'do something'</a></p>

<p>"They have kept such a good man in jail by making false allegations and filing false cases," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He stated that it was Sisodia's dream to ensure that every child gets a good education. He called his colleague “a great man” and in a veiled attack on the BJP, Kejriwal said, “They jailed Sisodia because he was giving children a good education.”</p>

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<p>The chief minister said that they were disturbed to see AAP establishing such great schools, and added, “I heard everywhere how we were educating children here, particularly those who were economically weak.”</p>

<p>CM Kejriwal further said that it was his duty and resolve to provide better education to children compared to what he got. “I want to tell the students of Delhi that your school is better than the one I studied in Hisar, which was the best in that area,” the chief minister stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While addressing people at the inauguration ceremony of the School of Excellence at Bawana, Kejriwal said that till Sisodia is released from jail, the government of Delhi will continue his work with double vigour and speed. “I am sure he will be out very soon because the truth always prevails,” he stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India: AAP vs Delhi Lt Governor saga ends: Kejriwal govt granted powers over services | WION Pulse</strong></p>

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<p>Emphasising the poor condition of existing schools in the Bawana area of Delhi, Kejriwal stated that his government has been working diligently to improve those standards. "I have come to Bawana on multiple occasions and I have witnessed firsthand the poor condition of the school here... today, I stand before you with the fulfilment of my promise - two new schools," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Delhi excise policy case</strong></h2>

<p>Sisodia has been jailed in a case related to alleged irregularities in the liquor policy case&nbsp;which has now been scrapped. The police arrested him in March after an investigation was carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When Sisodia was arrested, he was handling 18 of the 33 portfolios in the Delhi government and a massive political slugfest broke out after his arrest between the AAP and the BJP.</p>

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Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of the national capital of India, Delhi, on Wednesday, started crying while thinking of and missing his former deputy minister Manish Sisodia while speaking at the inauguration of a new school in the Bawana area of the city.

Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of the national capital of India, Delhi, on Wednesday, started crying while thinking of and missing his former deputy minister Manish Sisodia while speaking at the inauguration of a new school in the Bawana area of the city. Kejriwal stated that the education of school students in Delhi was and will remain Sisodia's dream. Aam Aadmi Party leader Sisodia, who has been serving a prison sentence in Tihar Jail in connection with the liquor excise policy case, was the education minister of the national capital till he had to quit in March due to his arrest. "Those people (seen by many as a reference to rivals Bharatiya Janata Party) want the education revolution of Delhi to end and (we) will not let it end," said Kejriwal, while speaking at the event as he slammed the fabricated charges because of which Sisodia was jailed. ALSO READ | Delhi woman stabs flatmate to death after drunken argument; CM Kejriwal urges Lt. Gov to 'do something' "They have kept such a good man in jail by making false allegations and filing false cases," he added. He stated that it was Sisodia's dream to ensure that every child gets a good education. He called his colleague “a great man” and in a veiled attack on the BJP, Kejriwal said, “They jailed Sisodia because he was giving children a good education.” #WATCH | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal gets emotional, as he remembers former education minister Manish Sisodia and his work in the area of education, at the inauguration of an educational institution pic.twitter.com/BDGSSbmpbq — ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2023 × The chief minister said that they were disturbed to see AAP establishing such great schools, and added, “I heard everywhere how we were educating children here, particularly those who were economically weak.” CM Kejriwal further said that it was his duty and resolve to provide better education to children compared to what he got. “I want to tell the students of Delhi that your school is better than the one I studied in Hisar, which was the best in that area,” the chief minister stated. While addressing people at the inauguration ceremony of the School of Excellence at Bawana, Kejriwal said that till Sisodia is released from jail, the government of Delhi will continue his work with double vigour and speed. “I am sure he will be out very soon because the truth always prevails,” he stated. WATCH | India: AAP vs Delhi Lt Governor saga ends: Kejriwal govt granted powers over services | WION Pulse Emphasising the poor condition of existing schools in the Bawana area of Delhi, Kejriwal stated that his government has been working diligently to improve those standards. "I have come to Bawana on multiple occasions and I have witnessed firsthand the poor condition of the school here... today, I stand before you with the fulfilment of my promise - two new schools," he said. Delhi excise policy case Sisodia has been jailed in a case related to alleged irregularities in the liquor policy case which has now been scrapped. The police arrested him in March after an investigation was carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation. When Sisodia was arrested, he was handling 18 of the 33 portfolios in the Delhi government and a massive political slugfest broke out after his arrest between the AAP and the BJP. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WATCH | Delhi CM Kejriwal in tears as he recalls Manish Sisodia's 'dream' at school inauguration

India's Supreme Court has ruled a big win for the government in India's National Capital, Delhi. It has granted the Arvind Kejriwal government Legislative and Executive power over services.

India: AAP vs Delhi Lt Governor saga ends: Kejriwal govt granted powers over services | WION Pulse

<p>Indian Supreme Court ruled on Thursday (May 11) that the New Delhi government has legislative and executive powers over services, a massive boost to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s government in the capital of the nation, which trmed the verdict a "victory of democracy".&nbsp;</p>

<p>SC heard the Centre versus the Delhi government case over the demarcation of power. A constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said an elected government needs to have control over the administration — a decision opposite to Justice Ashok Bhushan's 2019 judgment that the city government has no power over the issue of services.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The constitution bench was set up to hear the legal issue concerning the scope of legislative and executive powers of the Centre and the National Capital Territory government over control of services in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AAP's leader and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hailed the decision, as he said, "Heartfelt thanks to the Hon'ble Supreme Court for doing justice to the people of Delhi." Kejriwal added in a tweet in Hindi, "With this decision, the pace of development of Delhi will increase manifold. Democracy won."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials have said that Kejriwal will go to the Delhi Secretariat for the first time in many months and hold a meeting with his cabinet after the top court verdict. The party said that the Lt Governor will have no power over the officers to stop the work of the people of Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AAP Rajya Sabha Raghav Chadha called the verdict a "landmark decision". In a tweet, Chadha wrote: "Satyamev Jayate. Delhi wins. Hon'ble Supreme Court's landmark judgment sends a stern message that officers working with the government of Delhi are meant to serve (the) people of Delhi through the elected government and not unelected usurpers parachuted by Centre to stall governance, namely LG."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">दिल्ली के लोगों के साथ न्याय करने के लिए माननीय सुप्रीम कोर्ट का तहे दिल से शुक्रिया। इस निर्णय से दिल्ली के विकास की गति कई गुना बढ़ेगी।<br />
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जनतंत्र की जीत हुई।</p>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1656559210015133696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Satyamev Jayate<br />
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Delhi wins✌️<br />
<br />
Hon'ble Supreme Court's landmark judgement sends a stern message that officers working with Govt of Delhi are meant to serve people of Delhi through the elected government &amp; not unelected usurpers parachuted by Centre to stall governance, namely LG.</p>
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) <a href="https://twitter.com/raghav_chadha/status/1656547560851423233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Delhi government in the case, said, "This is a judgement in favour of the people of Delhi and I welcome every legal count of it. We hope and trust that all such over adventurous legal acrobatics as practised by the Central govt in the NCT case will not reoccur."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Indian Supreme Court ruled on Thursday (May 11) that the New Delhi government has legislative and executive powers over services, a massive boost to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s government in the capital of the nation, which trmed the verdict a "victory of democracy".

Indian Supreme Court ruled on Thursday (May 11) that the New Delhi government has legislative and executive powers over services, a massive boost to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s government in the capital of the nation, which trmed the verdict a "victory of democracy". SC heard the Centre versus the Delhi government case over the demarcation of power. A constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said an elected government needs to have control over the administration — a decision opposite to Justice Ashok Bhushan's 2019 judgment that the city government has no power over the issue of services. The constitution bench was set up to hear the legal issue concerning the scope of legislative and executive powers of the Centre and the National Capital Territory government over control of services in Delhi. AAP's leader and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hailed the decision, as he said, "Heartfelt thanks to the Hon'ble Supreme Court for doing justice to the people of Delhi." Kejriwal added in a tweet in Hindi, "With this decision, the pace of development of Delhi will increase manifold. Democracy won." The officials have said that Kejriwal will go to the Delhi Secretariat for the first time in many months and hold a meeting with his cabinet after the top court verdict. The party said that the Lt Governor will have no power over the officers to stop the work of the people of Delhi. AAP Rajya Sabha Raghav Chadha called the verdict a "landmark decision". In a tweet, Chadha wrote: "Satyamev Jayate. Delhi wins. Hon'ble Supreme Court's landmark judgment sends a stern message that officers working with the government of Delhi are meant to serve (the) people of Delhi through the elected government and not unelected usurpers parachuted by Centre to stall governance, namely LG." दिल्ली के लोगों के साथ न्याय करने के लिए माननीय सुप्रीम कोर्ट का तहे दिल से शुक्रिया। इस निर्णय से दिल्ली के विकास की गति कई गुना बढ़ेगी। जनतंत्र की जीत हुई। — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 11, 2023 × Satyamev Jayate Delhi wins✌️ Hon'ble Supreme Court's landmark judgement sends a stern message that officers working with Govt of Delhi are meant to serve people of Delhi through the elected government & not unelected usurpers parachuted by Centre to stall governance, namely LG. — Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) May 11, 2023 × Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Delhi government in the case, said, "This is a judgement in favour of the people of Delhi and I welcome every legal count of it. We hope and trust that all such over adventurous legal acrobatics as practised by the Central govt in the NCT case will not reoccur." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Delhi vs Centre services row: AAP hails Supreme Court's 'landmark' verdict

<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday (April 16) for nearly nine hours in the liquor policy case. Kejriwal was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other party leaders when he reached the CBI headquarters. So far, he hasn't been given another date for the second round of questioning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was questioned as a witness in the same case in which former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was arrested last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kejriwal told reporters: "The CBI asked me a total of 56 questions. Everything is fake. The case is fake. I am convinced they don't have anything on us, not a single piece of evidence."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CBI recorded Kejriwal's statement in connection with the case and also noted that it will be verified and collated with the "available evidence".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal leaves the CBI office after nine hours of questioning in the liquor policy case. <a href="https://t.co/6KTfu5RB8H">https://t.co/6KTfu5RB8H</a> <a href="https://t.co/yHVay3w7uM">pic.twitter.com/yHVay3w7uM</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1647617380594634754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kejriwal said that the investigating agency does not have evidence against the AAP government to prove that "it has committed any wrong in the framing of now scrapped new excise policy."&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to the reporters, Kejriwal further said: "CBI questioning was conducted for 9.5 hours. I answered all the questions. The entire alleged liquor scam is false and is out of bad politics. AAP is 'kattar imaandaar party'. They want to finish AAP but the country's people are with us."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news agency ANI reported quoting sources that while Kejriwal was being questioned by the CBI, the AAP called an emergency meeting of senior leaders this evening amid concerns that he could be arrested.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday (April 16) for nearly nine hours in the liquor policy case.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday (April 16) for nearly nine hours in the liquor policy case. Kejriwal was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other party leaders when he reached the CBI headquarters. So far, he hasn't been given another date for the second round of questioning. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was questioned as a witness in the same case in which former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was arrested last month. Kejriwal told reporters: "The CBI asked me a total of 56 questions. Everything is fake. The case is fake. I am convinced they don't have anything on us, not a single piece of evidence." The CBI recorded Kejriwal's statement in connection with the case and also noted that it will be verified and collated with the "available evidence". #UPDATE | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal leaves the CBI office after nine hours of questioning in the liquor policy case. https://t.co/6KTfu5RB8H pic.twitter.com/yHVay3w7uM — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2023 × Kejriwal said that the investigating agency does not have evidence against the AAP government to prove that "it has committed any wrong in the framing of now scrapped new excise policy." While speaking to the reporters, Kejriwal further said: "CBI questioning was conducted for 9.5 hours. I answered all the questions. The entire alleged liquor scam is false and is out of bad politics. AAP is 'kattar imaandaar party'. They want to finish AAP but the country's people are with us." The news agency ANI reported quoting sources that while Kejriwal was being questioned by the CBI, the AAP called an emergency meeting of senior leaders this evening amid concerns that he could be arrested. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Liquor policy case: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says case 'fake'; CBI asked 56 questions

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was questioned for nearly nine hours by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday in the liquor policy case. After the questioning got over, Kejriwal said that he was asked around 56 questions in the case.

Liquor Policy Case: CBI questioned Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for over 9 hours

<p>Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi has been&nbsp;called by the CBI on Sunday (April 16) for questioning&nbsp;over alleged corruption in the capital's now-scrapped alcohol sales policy.&nbsp;Manish Sisodia, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former deputy chief minister of Delhi, is currently in jail in connection with the same case, and law enforcement authorities have made other arrests.</p>

<p>An order from the Goa Police for Kejriwal to appear for questioning on April 27 in connection with an alleged defacement of public property has also been issued.</p>

<p>Even though the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been asserting that Kejriwal was the brains behind the alleged scam, this is the first time the CBI has summoned the chief minister in the investigation, reported the Hindustan Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling the CBI summons as a conspiracy to arrest Kejriwal, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said, “I'd like to tell the PM - you and your Govt are covered in corruption from head to toe and Arvind Kejriwal's fight will not stop with this CBI summon. The conspiracy hatched by you to arrest, jail and take action against Arvind Kejriwal on 16th April will not stifle his voice.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-big-win-for-bihu-11300-dancers-drummers-enter-guinness-world-records-582589">India: Big win for Bihu; 11,300 dancers, drummers enter Guinness World Records</a></p>

<p>“The day Kejriwal in Delhi Assembly questioned PM Modi's 'friend', I told him that the next number will be his,” Sanjay Singh said. Kejriwal will visit the CBI office as per the summons, AAP said.</p>

<p>Kejriwal said that all AAP officials should be prepared to go to jail after the Election Commission recognised his party as a legitimate national party.</p>

<p>"There are several anti-national forces in the county that do not want the country to progress. All these people sent Manish Sisodia to jail. Those who sent Sisodia to jail are the enemies of the country," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;India's first underwater metro successfully runs under Hooghly river</strong></p>

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<p>Manish Sisodia was detained by the CBI on February 26 following hours of inquiry into the suspected scam involving the Delhi excise policy, which was dropped after Delhi L-G VK Saxena suggested a CBI investigation into the alleged abnormalities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Allegations against AAP involve seeking money in return for benefits in liquor vending.</p>

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Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi has been called by the CBI on Sunday (April 16) for questioning over alleged corruption in the capital's now-scrapped alcohol sales policy.

Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi has been called by the CBI on Sunday (April 16) for questioning over alleged corruption in the capital's now-scrapped alcohol sales policy. Manish Sisodia, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former deputy chief minister of Delhi, is currently in jail in connection with the same case, and law enforcement authorities have made other arrests. An order from the Goa Police for Kejriwal to appear for questioning on April 27 in connection with an alleged defacement of public property has also been issued. Even though the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been asserting that Kejriwal was the brains behind the alleged scam, this is the first time the CBI has summoned the chief minister in the investigation, reported the Hindustan Times. Calling the CBI summons as a conspiracy to arrest Kejriwal, AAP MP Sanjay Singh said, “I'd like to tell the PM - you and your Govt are covered in corruption from head to toe and Arvind Kejriwal's fight will not stop with this CBI summon. The conspiracy hatched by you to arrest, jail and take action against Arvind Kejriwal on 16th April will not stifle his voice.” ALSO READ | India: Big win for Bihu; 11,300 dancers, drummers enter Guinness World Records “The day Kejriwal in Delhi Assembly questioned PM Modi's 'friend', I told him that the next number will be his,” Sanjay Singh said. Kejriwal will visit the CBI office as per the summons, AAP said. Kejriwal said that all AAP officials should be prepared to go to jail after the Election Commission recognised his party as a legitimate national party. "There are several anti-national forces in the county that do not want the country to progress. All these people sent Manish Sisodia to jail. Those who sent Sisodia to jail are the enemies of the country," he said. ALSO WATCH | India's first underwater metro successfully runs under Hooghly river Manish Sisodia was detained by the CBI on February 26 following hours of inquiry into the suspected scam involving the Delhi excise policy, which was dropped after Delhi L-G VK Saxena suggested a CBI investigation into the alleged abnormalities. Allegations against AAP involve seeking money in return for benefits in liquor vending. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Arvind Kejriwal to be questioned by CBI in Delhi excise case

<p>The Gujarat High Court on Friday quashed a seven-year-old order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) asking the Gujarat University to provide information on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.<br />
<br />
Allowing the Gujarat University’s appeal against the CIC order, Justice Biren Vaishnav also imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Kejriwal and asked him to deposit the amount within four weeks to the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA).<br />
<br />
“This court finds that the CIC while passing the impugned order was well aware that what it was directing was not a specific and certain but a fishing and roving enquiry,” said Justice Vaishnav in his order.&nbsp;“Accordingly, the petition is allowed and the impugned order (of CIC), dated April 29, 2016, is quashed and set aside,” said Justice Vaishnav in his order.<br />
<br />
Justice Vaishnav also refused to stay his order as requested by Kejriwal's lawyer Percy Kavina.<br />
<br />
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/openais-chatgpt-blocked-in-italy-reports-577685">OpenAI’s ChatGPT blocked in Italy over alleged privacy violations</a><br />
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The HC observed that despite the degree in question being put on the website of the university for all to see, and Kejriwal never ever disputing the degree in question either during the pendency of these proceedings or even during final hearing, he has persisted with the matter.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
This is one more reason to impose costs while allowing this petition, the HC order said.</p>

<p>“This court finds that the question of whether education qualifications are personal information or not is no more <em>res integra</em> and already stands authoritatively settled by the Constitution Bench of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Subhash Chandra Agarwal (Supra),” it said.</p>

<p>“In the said judgment, the Constitution Bench of the apex court has unequivocally held that personal professional records, including qualification, performance, evaluation reports, ACRs, disciplinary proceedings, etc. Are all personal information and such personal information is entitled to protection from unwarranted invasion of privacy,” the HC said in its order.</p>

<p>The Commission being a statutory authority ought to have kept the aforesaid principles in mind while dealing with the oral request of Kejriwal and ought not to have made an exception in the present case, the HC said.</p>

<p>Treating the present case as an exception completely justifies the submission of the petitioner (university) that extraneous considerations have gone into the decision making process of the Commission, said the order. “There has been an indiscriminate misuse of the salutary provisions of the RTI Act in the present case for the purposes not contemplated by the legislature while enacting the said Act,” said Justice Vaishnav.<br />
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Expressing surprise that the CIC entertained Kejriwal's request and issued an order, the court said, “Such requests cannot be made so casually making mockery of the very intent and purpose of the RTI Act.”<br />
<br />
The court further observed that Kejriwal “doubtlessly used an appeal against him to kick start and trigger a controversy not falling within the purview of the RTI Act”.<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch | Will Ben Stokes be CSK's impact player? | WION Sports Extra</strong></p>

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<p>“Having found both the requests by respondent No.2 (Kejriwal) and the order by the CIC being absolutely causal and having found that neither such request was competent nor such an order could have been passed and keeping in view the salutary object of the RTI Act, this court thinks it fit to allow the present petition with a direction to Respondent No.2 to pay costs,” the HC order said.<br />
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Justice Vaishnav said since the CIC was well aware of the fact that the university will face difficulty in searching that information, it did not set any time limit.<br />
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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said it would appeal against the order.</p>

<p>BJP also took jibe at Kejriwal after the court’s ruling. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said, “Lying &amp; making obnoxious remarks, peddling lies against the chair of the PM has become a fashion &amp; Kejriwal is in strong competition with Rahul Gandhi in this regard. But today, he has been shown his place by High Court! Hope Kejriwal ji doesn’t make scurrilous comments on judiciary like Rahul now! That would count as being literate and yet uneducated.”</p>

<p>During hearing of the case, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta had argued that publishing a student’s degree via the RTI will breach the privacy of the individual while testifying on behalf of the institution on February 9 this year. He also submitted&nbsp;in court that the details of PM Modi’s degrees were already in the public domain,&nbsp;on the university’s website.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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The Gujarat High Court on Friday quashed a seven-year-old order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) asking the Gujarat University to provide information on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The Gujarat High Court on Friday quashed a seven-year-old order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) asking the Gujarat University to provide information on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Allowing the Gujarat University’s appeal against the CIC order, Justice Biren Vaishnav also imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Kejriwal and asked him to deposit the amount within four weeks to the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA). “This court finds that the CIC while passing the impugned order was well aware that what it was directing was not a specific and certain but a fishing and roving enquiry,” said Justice Vaishnav in his order. “Accordingly, the petition is allowed and the impugned order (of CIC), dated April 29, 2016, is quashed and set aside,” said Justice Vaishnav in his order. Justice Vaishnav also refused to stay his order as requested by Kejriwal's lawyer Percy Kavina. Also Read | OpenAI’s ChatGPT blocked in Italy over alleged privacy violations The HC observed that despite the degree in question being put on the website of the university for all to see, and Kejriwal never ever disputing the degree in question either during the pendency of these proceedings or even during final hearing, he has persisted with the matter. This is one more reason to impose costs while allowing this petition, the HC order said. “This court finds that the question of whether education qualifications are personal information or not is no more res integra and already stands authoritatively settled by the Constitution Bench of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Subhash Chandra Agarwal (Supra),” it said. “In the said judgment, the Constitution Bench of the apex court has unequivocally held that personal professional records, including qualification, performance, evaluation reports, ACRs, disciplinary proceedings, etc. Are all personal information and such personal information is entitled to protection from unwarranted invasion of privacy,” the HC said in its order. The Commission being a statutory authority ought to have kept the aforesaid principles in mind while dealing with the oral request of Kejriwal and ought not to have made an exception in the present case, the HC said. Treating the present case as an exception completely justifies the submission of the petitioner (university) that extraneous considerations have gone into the decision making process of the Commission, said the order. “There has been an indiscriminate misuse of the salutary provisions of the RTI Act in the present case for the purposes not contemplated by the legislature while enacting the said Act,” said Justice Vaishnav. Also Read | Top 10 corrupt countries in the world Expressing surprise that the CIC entertained Kejriwal's request and issued an order, the court said, “Such requests cannot be made so casually making mockery of the very intent and purpose of the RTI Act.” The court further observed that Kejriwal “doubtlessly used an appeal against him to kick start and trigger a controversy not falling within the purview of the RTI Act”. Watch | Will Ben Stokes be CSK's impact player? | WION Sports Extra × “Having found both the requests by respondent No.2 (Kejriwal) and the order by the CIC being absolutely causal and having found that neither such request was competent nor such an order could have been passed and keeping in view the salutary object of the RTI Act, this court thinks it fit to allow the present petition with a direction to Respondent No.2 to pay costs,” the HC order said. Justice Vaishnav said since the CIC was well aware of the fact that the university will face difficulty in searching that information, it did not set any time limit. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said it would appeal against the order. BJP also took jibe at Kejriwal after the court’s ruling. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said, “Lying & making obnoxious remarks, peddling lies against the chair of the PM has become a fashion & Kejriwal is in strong competition with Rahul Gandhi in this regard. But today, he has been shown his place by High Court! Hope Kejriwal ji doesn’t make scurrilous comments on judiciary like Rahul now! That would count as being literate and yet uneducated.” During hearing of the case, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta had argued that publishing a student’s degree via the RTI will breach the privacy of the individual while testifying on behalf of the institution on February 9 this year. He also submitted in court that the details of PM Modi’s degrees were already in the public domain, on the university’s website. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

HC quashes CIC order on PM Modi’s degree, imposes Rs 25,000 cost on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

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