Court Orders Police to Submit Report by March 18
New Delhi | The Political Observer
The Rouse Avenue Court has directed the Delhi Police to register an FIR against former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a case related to the alleged misuse of public funds for political advertisements.
The court issued this order while hearing a petition that accuses Kejriwal, former AAP MLA Gulab Singh, and Dwarka councillor Nitika Sharma of using government money to install large hoardings across Delhi for publicity.
The court has also sought a status report from the police by March 18.
Case Dates Back to 2019, Previously Dismissed
The case, originally filed six years ago, was initially dismissed by a lower court, which had rejected the request to file an FIR. However, in a fresh development, the Rouse Avenue Court has now ordered an investigation into the allegations.
This comes after the Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP) directed AAP in January 2024 to return ₹163.62 crore, along with interest, for allegedly misusing public funds for political promotions.
BJP Accuses AAP of Overspending on Publicity
The BJP has repeatedly accused AAP of prioritizing publicity over governance, alleging that funds meant for welfare schemes were spent on advertising. In January 2025, BJP claimed:
- Business Blasters Scheme: ₹54 crore allocated, ₹80 crore spent on promotions.
- Mentor Scheme: ₹1.9 crore allocated, ₹27.9 crore used for ads.
- Stubble Management Scheme: ₹77 lakh allocated, ₹28 crore spent on advertising.
Kejriwal’s Legal Troubles: Liquor Scam Case & More
Arvind Kejriwal is already facing legal challenges in the Delhi Liquor Policy Scam. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, 2024, and later taken into custody by the CBI on June 26.
However, on July 12, 2024, the Supreme Court granted him bail, leading to his release the next day.
Now, with fresh allegations of public fund misuse, Kejriwal faces yet another legal battle that could impact his political standing.
Center Orders Probe into Kejriwal’s Bungalow Renovation
In another major development, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has launched a probe into the renovation costs of Kejriwal’s official residence at 6 Flag Staff Road.
According to a CPWD report, several violations were found in the ₹45 crore renovation of the bungalow, which spans 8 acres. The BJP has termed it “Kejriwal’s Glass Palace”, alleging misuse of taxpayers’ money.
BJP Demands Cancellation of Property Merger
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva has lodged a complaint with Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, alleging that four government properties were illegally merged to create Kejriwal’s bungalow.
He demanded that the merger be revoked, asserting that if the BJP forms the next government in Delhi, its Chief Minister will not reside in the property.
With multiple legal and financial investigations underway, Arvind Kejriwal remains at the center of political and legal scrutiny ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
