SC extends stay of UP court’s proceedings against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

The Supreme Court on Monday extended an interim order that had stayed the trial court’s proceedings against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a case filed against him in 2014 during the election campaign in Uttar Pradesh. A bench of Justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna adjourned the matter for hearing in May, stating that its order on stay of trial court proceedings would be continued, because no counsel for the State of Uttar Pradesh appeared.

The bench had previously stayed the trial court’s proceedings and issued notice on Kejriwal’s petition. During the 2014 election campaign, Kejriwal was quoted as saying, “Those who believe in ‘Khuda’ will not be pardoned by ‘Khuda’ if they vote for Bharatiya Janata Party” (BJP).

Kejriwal filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, challenging an Allahabad High Court order that denied his request for discharge from the case. The High Court, in dismissing Kejriwal’s petition, stated that it appeared that Kejriwal was threatening voters in the name of ‘Khuda,’ knowing full well that if he used the term ‘Khuda,’ some voters from different religions would be severely influenced.

Previously, Sultanpur Court had denied his discharge application. During the previous hearing, the top court bench expressed its displeasure with Kejriwal’s statement, saying, “Why are you bringing God? In a secular country, leave God alone. God does not need anyone’s protection, he can take care of himself.”

“Sometimes during political campaigning, unintentional things are said,” senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was representing Kejriwal, said.