Arvind Kejriwal: The Controversial Politician and His Legal Battles

Arvind Kejriwal: The Controversial Politician and His Legal Battles

Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and a prominent political figure in India, has had a tumultuous career marked by significant achievements and numerous legal battles. Known for his anti-corruption stance and grassroots activism, Kejriwal's journey from a civil servant to the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been both inspiring and contentious. This article delves into some of the notable legal cases involving Arvind Kejriwal, highlighting the challenges he has faced in his political career.

The Beginnings: Anti-Corruption Crusade

Arvind Kejriwal first gained national attention as a key figure in the India Against Corruption movement, which sought to bring about strong anti-corruption legislation. His transition into politics was driven by the belief that systemic change required political power. In 2012, Kejriwal founded the Aam Aadmi Party, with a platform centered around transparency, accountability, and good governance.

 Defamation Cases

One of the most recurrent legal challenges faced by Kejriwal has been defamation cases. His outspoken nature and aggressive campaigning have often landed him in trouble with various political adversaries. Some notable defamation cases include:

1. Nitin Gadkari Case (2014) Kejriwal was sued for defamation by BJP leader Nitin Gadkari after Kejriwal included Gadkari’s name in a list of “India's most corrupt politicians.” The case was settled in 2018 after Kejriwal apologized to Gadkari, illustrating the political delicacy required in navigating allegations of corruption.

2. Arun Jaitley Case (2015): Another high-profile defamation case involved former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Kejriwal and several AAP leaders accused Jaitley of corruption during his tenure as president of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). Jaitley filed a defamation suit seeking ₹10 crores in damages. The case saw intense legal battles and, eventually, Kejriwal and his colleagues issued an apology in 2018, leading to the settlement of the case.

Allegations of Irregularities and Abuse of Power

Kejriwal’s administration has faced allegations of irregularities and misuse of power. These allegations have often resulted in legal scrutiny and investigations.

1. Office-of-Profit Case (2016): Kejriwal’s government faced a significant legal challenge when 21 AAP MLAs were disqualified for holding offices of profit. The Election Commission of India recommended their disqualification, which was later approved by the President of India. However, the Delhi High Court set aside the disqualification, providing a respite to Kejriwal’s government.

2. Delhi's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) Jurisdiction Dispute: Kejriwal’s tenure has seen several jurisdictional disputes between the Delhi Government and the Lieutenant Governor (LG), particularly over the control of the Anti-Corruption Branch. The Supreme Court of India had to intervene multiple times to clarify the distribution of powers between the Delhi Government and the LG, highlighting the legal complexities of Delhi’s unique administrative structure.

Criminal Defamation and Arrests

Apart from civil defamation cases, Kejriwal has also faced criminal defamation charges, which carry more severe legal consequences. 

1. Somnath Bharti Case: In 2018, Kejriwal faced criminal defamation charges filed by BJP spokesperson Ramesh Bidhuri, following derogatory remarks made by Kejriwal’s colleague, Somnath Bharti. Kejriwal's persistent defense of his colleagues has often entangled him in their legal issues, reflecting his commitment to his party members but also complicating his legal standing.

Conclusion

Arvind Kejriwal's political career has been a rollercoaster of activism, governance, and legal entanglements. His bold and often confrontational style has endeared him to many as a champion of anti-corruption, while also making him a frequent target of legal challenges. The numerous defamation cases and allegations of abuse of power illustrate the contentious nature of his political journey. Despite these challenges, Kejriwal has managed to maintain a significant support base and continues to play a crucial role in Indian politics. The legal battles he faces are a testament to the high-stakes nature of political leadership in India and the thin line between political rhetoric and legal accountability.