Challan for ‘I ❤️ Kejriwal’ Message on Auto: HC Notice to AAP, EC

A plea challenged a Rs 10,000 challan issued to an auto driver for the ‘I love Kejriwal’ message on his vehicle

A plea challenged a Rs 10,000 challan issued to an auto driver for displaying ‘I love Kejriwal’ msg on his vehicle

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@JayantBhushan1)

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday, 28 January, sought a response of the AAP government, the police and the Election Commission on a plea challenging a Rs 10,000 challan issued to an auto driver for displaying "I love Kejriwal" message on his three-wheeler.

Justice Navin Chawla issued a notice to the Delhi government, police and EC seeking their stand on the plea by the auto driver who claimed that the action stemmed from "political malice".

The lawyer for the Delhi government and police told the court that time was required to examine why the challan for Rs 10,000 was issued and said a status report would be filed.

EC’s Submission Opposed by Auto Driver’s Lawyer

The counsel for the Election Commission said the action was probably taken for violation of the model code of conduct (MCC) during which period political advertisements are prohibited.

The EC's submission was opposed by the auto driver's lawyer, who contended that it was not a political advertisement and even if it was, it would not be prohibited as it was displayed at the petitioner's expense and not by a political party.

He said the MCC does not talk of political advertisement out of an individual's own funds.

He also said that political advertisements were permitted on the rear, right and left sides of public service vehicles, including autos, under guidelines issued by the Delhi government in 2018.

After hearing brief arguments by all sides, the court asked them to file their respective replies before the next date of hearing on 3 March.

According to the petition, the petitioner had displayed "I love Kejriwal" and "sirf Kejriwal" messages on his auto.

It has claimed that the action was taken without any advance notice by any government department prohibiting such a display.

It has also claimed the petitioner was "illegally" challaned under various provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act for allegedly violating conditions of his permit to operate an auto.