Can’t impose censorship, martial law: HC on Kejriwal’s arrest coverage by media
Hindustan TimesThe Delhi high court on Wednesday disapproved of attempts to censor the media or place unreasonable restrictions on free speech as it fined a petitioner ₹1 lakh for seeking to restrain news channels from broadcasting sensational headlines about chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest or speculation about his resignation. The bench of Justices Manmohan and Manmeet PS Arora said the court could not enforce emergency measures like stopping political rivals from holding rallies or making statements demanding Kejriwal’s resignation. The high court also dismissed a plea seeking “extraordinary interim bail” for Kejriwal in all criminal cases registered against him in connection with the alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped 2021-22 Delhi excise policy while slapping a ₹75,000 fine on the petitioner. On May 1, the high court rejected a plea effectively challenging the CM’s arrest, holding Kejriwal was in judicial custody due to judicial orders and had the wherewithal to approach the court himself.