20 AAP MLAs Hail Delhi HC Verdict, Cong Says “No Need to Be Happy”

AAP MLAs celebrate after Delhi High Court restored their membership in the office of profit case

(Photo: PTI)

After the Delhi High Court granted a temporary relief to 20 AAP MLAs in the office of profit case, AAP leaders rejoiced and hailed the verdict as ‘victory of truth’.

AAP leaders also criticised the BJP and said that the Election Commission's decision to disqualify 20 of its MLAs was a serious attempt to dislodge an elected government.

The Delhi High Court on Friday, 23 March, set aside the disqualification of its 20 MLAs in the office-of-profit case. It not only criticised the Election Commission on grounds of violation of ‘natural justice’ but also directed it to hear the matter afresh.

After the court’s decision, an elated Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted:

"The elected representatives were wrongfully disqualified. The high court has given justice to the people of Delhi. It is their victory. Congratulations to the people of Delhi."

Terming the verdict a "victory of democracy", Chandni Chowk MLA Alka Lamba said:

Conspiracies to topple a stable government should stop now. Be it the Election Commission (EC) or those sitting at the central government, this (order) is a message to them. This is the victory of democracy and people from our constituencies.

Delhi Congress President Ajay Maken said there was “no need to be happy” as the court had not acquitted the MLAs of the charges, but merely ordered a fresh hearing.

High court has merely given temporary relief by ordering the Election Commission to undertake a second hearing. There is no need to be so happy. The high court has given a limited relaxation by ordering a second hearing. Truth would have been victorious if Arvind Kejriwal had resigned. 

Ajay Maken, Delhi Congress President

The Election Commission should definitely give a proper re-hearing to the MLAs, but it should be noted that the court has not absolved the MLAs from the charge of having benefited from holding office of profit, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said.

"We welcomed the directions of high court and the Election Commission in the past. Similarly, we respect today's decision. It is a unique proof of the independence of judiciary and freedom in the Indian democracy," he said.

Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat refrained from making any comment on the high court order.

"Let us first go through the certified copy of the order. Then the secretariat will decide on taking action," he told.

The 20 AAP MLAs had approached the high court challenging their disqualification after President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the EC's recommendation.

(With inputs from PTI)

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