AAP MP Sanjay Singh Moves Delhi High Court Over Denial to Meet CM Kejriwal in Jail

AAP MP Sanjay Singh has approached the Delhi High Court, alleging he was denied permission to meet Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar Jail. The court has issued a notice to the jail authorities, who must respond by September 9, 2024. Singh claims the denial violates his fundamental rights.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh has taken his grievance to the Delhi High Court, alleging that authorities at Tihar Jail denied him permission to meet Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna's bench has issued a notice to Tihar Jail authorities, instructing them to file a response before the hearing set for September 9, 2024.

Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, representing Singh, argued that the jail's superintendent arbitrarily denied two permissions sought by Singh, merely citing Rule 588 of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018, labeling Singh an 'ex-prisoner' without providing written reasons. Mehra contended that this contravenes Rule 616, requiring written reasons for such refusals. Additionally, he highlighted that the term 'ex-prisoner' is undefined in the relevant Delhi Prisons legislative framework, which should adhere to principles of natural justice.

Singh, a Rajya Sabha Member and AAP leader, emphasized that the repeated denial infringes on his fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, which includes the right to meet incarcerated family and friends. He further pointed out that the Delhi Prisons Rules 2018, created under Section 71 of the Delhi Prisons Act, 2000, do not restrict 'ex-prisoners' from such meetings, and any such rule would exceed the derived powers of the Act.

The plea noted that Singh, through emails dated June 4 and June 6, 2024, had promised to adhere to all prison rules during his intended meeting with Kejriwal, yet his requests were still denied. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)