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The Delhi High Court has taken a significant step in the case involving the petition seeking the removal of Arvind Kejriwal from the post of Chief Minister. On Monday, the court decided to transfer the petition to the bench of the acting chief justice, emphasising the imposition of a heavy cost. This move comes as the third petition seeking Kejriwal's removal has been filed.

The High Court questioned the applicability of the writ of quo warranto in this matter and whether it qualifies as a PIL. Justice Subramonium Prasad directed the case to be listed before the chief justice's bench, highlighting the importance of addressing similar matters at that level.

Petitioner Sandeep Kumar, a former minister and MLA, has filed the petition, claiming that Kejriwal has become incapacitated to hold the office of Chief Minister after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in the Excise Policy case. The petition alleges that Kejriwal's arrest has hindered his ability to fulfil his constitutional duties, thereby rendering him unfit for office.

This development comes after Kejriwal's recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Excise Policy case. The case revolves around allegations of irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the Delhi Excise Policy 2022. Despite not being initially named in the FIRs, Kejriwal's involvement emerged during the investigation.

The arrest of a serving Chief Minister is unprecedented in independent India. Kejriwal's detention followed multiple summonses by the agency, which he deemed "illegal." The case has also seen the arrest of other prominent figures, including former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh.

In response to the PILs seeking Kejriwal's removal, the Delhi High Court had earlier refused to entertain them, suggesting that such matters should be addressed to the Lieutenant Governor. The court stressed the importance of national interests over personal interests in administering the state.

As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how the courts will adjudicate on the petition and its implications for Kejriwal's tenure as Chief Minister of Delhi.