Amidst Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s ongoing judicial custody at Tihar Jail in connection with the excise policy case, questions arise regarding his ability to govern from behind bars.
According to the prison manual, under-trial prisoners like Kejriwal are limited to communicating solely with family, relatives, close friends, and legal counsels through letter writing. Restrictions extend to signing only specific categories of documents, excluding those with political implications, and are confined to legal matters like property.
Despite assertions by AAP leaders suggesting Kejriwal’s continuance in governmental affairs during his incarceration, senior prison officials assert otherwise. The jail manual specifies that an MLA, such as Kejriwal, can solely communicate with the Speaker of the House from prison.
AAP’s proposed plan for Kejriwal to conduct weekly reviews with ministers from Tihar Jail to monitor departmental progress encounters legal hurdles. Rule No. 628 of the 2018 prison manual underscores that any communication by a prisoner to legislative bodies must be forwarded to the government for handling.
Kejriwal, since his imprisonment, has relied on his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, to convey messages to AAP MLAs, leaders, and workers. Earlier, during his custody under the Enforcement Directorate, Kejriwal issued directives to his council of ministers.
Located in Jail No. 2 of Tihar, Kejriwal had submitted a list of individuals, including Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, for communication from prison.
As the debate over Kejriwal’s role in governance persists, his supporters emphasize his commitment to serving the people of Delhi, while legal frameworks dictate the limitations of his authority from behind bars.
