GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd July. The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition seeking permission for jailed politicians to campaign virtually during elections. The court’s decision, rendered by Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, upholds the earlier order of the Delhi High Court which had also rejected the plea.
The petition was filed by law student Amarjeet Gupta, who argued for allowing imprisoned political leaders to campaign through virtual means. However, the Supreme Court described the petition as having “mala fide intent” and focusing primarily on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was noted to have access to top legal representation.
The bench observed, “This petition has been filed with mala fide intent. It is concentrated on one politician (Arvind Kejriwal) who is every day before this court with a battery of the best lawyers. We do not deem it necessary to entertain this petition purportedly filed in public interest. Dismissed.”
Previously, the Delhi High Court had dismissed Gupta’s petition, cautioning that permitting virtual campaigning for jailed individuals could set a dangerous precedent.
The court had warned that such a ruling might allow even notorious criminals, such as Dawood Ibrahim, to engage in political activities.
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