Delhi High Court’s Insight on Viksit Bharat Yatra

The Delhi High Court questioned whether using the term “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) in the government’s “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra” scheme is problematic, noting that all political parties commonly use such slogans. The court, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, highlighted that the term simply refers to a developed India.

It emphasized that aspiring to make India great is a common slogan used by leaders across parties. The court’s remarks came during the hearing of EAS Sarma & Anr v Union of India.

Here’s what happened:

• The court addressed concerns over alleged government resource misuse in promoting “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.”
• Petitioner’s advocate argued that “Viksit Bharat” is a BJP slogan, suggesting partisan use.
• Central government’s counsel countered, claiming the scheme is non-partisan and benefits the public.
• Counsel Sharma cited data showing yatra’s extensive reach, covering thousands of villages and millions of beneficiaries.
• He emphasized the importance of feedback from the yatra in assessing performance across regions.
• The yatra has covered 34 states and Union Territories, informing over 11.94 crore attendees about government schemes.
• The Bench adjourned the case to May 21 after hearing part of the argument.
• The PIL alleges misuse of public resources and civil servants for the yatra, challenging the Ministry of Defence’s selfie directive featuring PM Modi.
• Central government argues that yatras provide essential connectivity to remote areas lacking government scheme benefits.
• The High Court notes during the PIL hearing that as long as there’s no political promotion, promoting government schemes is acceptable, emphasizing the Prime Minister’s constitutional position justifying public fund use.

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