The Delhi High Court, on Wednesday, dismissed a petition seeking permission for arrested political figures to campaign virtually during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, labeling the request as “highly adventurous.”
Court’s Decision
The bench, led by the Acting Chief Justice, deemed the plea unfit for consideration. They expressed concerns that allowing campaigning through virtual means could pave the way for notorious individuals, including Dawood Ibrahim and other feared criminals, to create political parties and engage in electoral activities via video conferences. The bench also raised the alarming prospect of rapists and murderers forming political parties to exploit this provision.
Judicial Remarks
The bench, which included Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, cautioned against the propagation of such petitions, emphasizing their commitment to curbing frivolous litigation. They asserted their awareness of the underlying motives behind such appeals and referenced recent instances where fines were imposed on petitioners for filing baseless pleas.
The decision underscores the court’s stance against facilitating electoral engagement for individuals facing legal proceedings, prioritizing the integrity of the electoral process and public safety.
