Debangana Ray
Published on July 7, 2022 at 19:36 IST
A Delhi High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation petition seeking the removal of Delhi minister Satyendar Jain from the Cabinet.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad dismissed the plea filed by one Nand Kishore Garg.
Jain is a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party and holds numerous portfolios including Health & Family Welfare, Industries, Home, Power, Water, Urban Development and Irrigation & Flood Control.
The Peitioner had argued that Jain is a public servant with a duty to uphold the constitutional Oath and rule of law but continues to enjoy the privileges of a cabinet minister despite being indicted under serious charges.
“Further, the preferential treatment for minister under custody strikes to Article 14 of the Constitution of India and several judicial pronouncements including the constitutional bench judgement where Hon’ble Supreme Court,” the plea stated.
Apart from seeking removal of Jain from the cabinet, the PIL also asked the court to issue broader guidelines for resignation/suspension of the ministers if he/she is arrested.