BJP Asks Kejriwal to Step Down Citing SC Observation About Legality of His Arrest

Background

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court (SC) made some observations about the legality of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's 2013 arrest. The court said that the arrest was "illegal" and that the police had "no justification" for doing so.

The SC's observations came in response to a petition filed by Kejriwal, who was arrested in 2013 for allegedly assaulting a public servant. Kejriwal had challenged the arrest, arguing that it was politically motivated.

BJP's Response

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is the main opposition party in Delhi, has reacted strongly to the SC's observations. The BJP has asked Kejriwal to step down as Chief Minister, saying that he has lost the moral authority to govern.

"The SC's observations have vindicated our stand that Kejriwal's arrest was illegal. He has no right to continue as Chief Minister after such a serious indictment by the court," said BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra.

Kejriwal's Response

Kejriwal has rejected the BJP's demand for his resignation. He said that the SC's observations do not amount to a finding of guilt and that he will continue to serve as Chief Minister.

"The BJP is trying to politicise the issue. The SC's observations are not a verdict. I will continue to work for the people of Delhi," Kejriwal said.

Legal Experts' Views

Legal experts are divided on the implications of the SC's observations. Some experts say that the observations could lead to Kejriwal's arrest being quashed, while others say that the observations are not binding on the lower courts.

"The SC's observations are significant, but they are not binding on the lower courts. It is up to the lower courts to decide whether or not to quash Kejriwal's arrest based on these observations," said Supreme Court advocate Prashant Bhushan.

Conclusion

The SC's observations on the legality of Kejriwal's arrest have sparked a political storm in Delhi. The BJP has demanded Kejriwal's resignation, while Kejriwal has rejected the demand. Legal experts are divided on the implications of the SC's observations. It remains to be seen how the lower courts will interpret the SC's observations and whether or not Kejriwal's arrest will be quashed.