• Source:JND
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The Delhi High Court on Friday came down heavily at the city government for failing to provide books to students enrolled in MCD schools, stating that Arvind Kejriwal's continued appointment as chief minister despite his arrest puts political interest over national interest. The court observed that the Delhi government was "interested in the appropriation of power". The court's observation comes after the Delhi government attorney stated that specific clearances from Arvind Kejriwal, who is being held in connection with the 2021 excise policy, are needed for this matter.

The court stated that till now it has "politely" emphasised that national interest is "supreme" but the present case has highlighted what was "wrong" and it would pass an order in the matter on Monday.

"I am sorry to say you have placed your interest above the interest of the students, the children that are studying. That is very clear and we are going to give that finding that you have placed your political interest at a higher pedestal," the court said.

The bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora said that it was unfortunate of the government to do this, adding that that is what has been highlighted in this matter.

The court told the Delhi government lawyer that his client is "just interested in the appropriation of power".

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"I don't know how much power you want. The problem is because you are trying to appropriate power, which is why you are not getting power," it said.

The Delhi government attorney declared he was not representing the chief minister and gave the court the assurance that the lack of educational materials would be addressed if the commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) formally requested financial approvals, even in the absence of the civic body's standing committee.

The court noted that the Delhi government counsel was appearing on instructions from the Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and stated, "We will record your statement that it is because the chief minister is in custody that I cannot do anything. If that's his personal call, good luck to him." "Choice is yours that the chief minister will continue despite being in jail. We will have to say this. This is your administration's will. You are asking us to go down that track and we will come with full vigour," said Justice Manmohan.

(With inputs from agency)