The Delhi High Court has reserved its judgement on a plea filed by AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Kumar Pathak, challenging the refusal of prison authorities to allow him further meetings with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently in jail. The decision came after the court heard arguments from both Pathak's legal team and representatives from Tihar Jail.
In April, Pathak was granted permission to meet Kejriwal twice. However, more recent requests for meetings were denied. The prison authorities argued that Pathak’s subsequent media statements violated prison regulations and seemed politically motivated. This led them to block further visits, citing concerns over his adherence to prison conduct.
During the court proceedings, senior advocate Rahul Mehra, representing Pathak, mentioned that other individuals had been allowed to meet Kejriwal, with two still visiting him.
The court directed the prison officials to provide a formal explanation for their decision to restrict Pathak’s access. Pathak's plea argued that his interactions with Kejriwal did not breach any of the Delhi Prisons Rules, which generally prohibit discussions on prison management, discipline, or politics during inmate interviews.
Pathak’s legal team contended that the restrictions on political discussions encroach upon democratic rights. They argued that such discussions are vital to democracy and should only be limited by explicit legal or constitutional provisions, not by prison conduct rules. The plea also challenged the application of Rule 587, claiming that it pertains only to the interview itself and not to statements made afterward.
Follow us
