AAP MP Challenges Jail Authorities Over Denied Access to CM Kejriwal

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Kumar Pathak has approached the Delhi High Court against the prison authorities' decision to deny him meetings with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna has scheduled further proceedings for Thursday. Pathak argues that the denial infringes on democratic and constitutional rights.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Kumar Pathak has taken legal action against the Delhi prison authorities for refusing his requests to meet Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in jail. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna of the Delhi High Court has set further proceedings for Thursday after hearing initial arguments.

Jail authorities previously allowed Pathak to meet Kejriwal twice in April but recently denied further meetings, citing violations of prison rules and politically motivated statements made by Pathak after the meetings. The authorities argue that his behavior demonstrated a deliberate breach of prison conduct, justifying the restriction of further meetings.

During the court hearing, senior advocate Rahul Mehra, representing Pathak, noted that three individuals were permitted to meet Kejriwal, two of whom continue to do so. The court directed the jail authorities to issue a formal order explaining their decision. In his plea, Pathak asserted that he did not violate any prison rules, arguing that political speech is integral to democracy and should not be restricted unless explicitly prohibited by law.

(With inputs from agencies.)