DHC Stays PWD Order Declaring AAP’s Jasmine Shah Unauthorised Occupant

The Delhi High Court today stayed an order passed by the Public Works Department (PWD) declaring Aam Aadmi Party’s leader Jasmine Shah.

Justice Prathiba M Singh stayed the order that was passed on April 23 also she was shocked to see such conduct given into the fact that the case against the Lieutenant Governor (LG) order dropped out Shah’s privileges pending before the court.

The judge remarked that, “On the last date, we adjourned the main matter. This case is part-heard here. I am very surprised with this.”

Sanjay Jain (Additional Solicitor General) appeared for the Lieutenant governor and stated that the concerned order is not by him. However, in a query from the court, the ASG stated that the competent authority, in this case, is the Secretary, PWD.

Then, the court proceeded to stay with the order.

Further, Shah used to be the Vice-Chairman of the Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi (DDCD). However, the LG VK Saxena passed an order in November 2022 and restricted him from discharging specific functions.

As per the previous reports, the action was taken against Shah after BJP MP Parvesh Singh Verma lodged a complaint alleging that while working as the Vice-Chairman of Delhi government think-tank DDCD, Shah “acted as an official spokesperson of AAP for political gains, in violation of established procedures.”

Therefore, in an affidavit, the Planning Department signifies the High Court the matter that was been referred to the President due to the difference of opinion between LG Saxena and CM Kejriwal.

Also, it was stated that in the exercise of powers under Article 239AA of the Constitution, the LG ordered that Shah will not be allowed into the DDCD office till the President takes a call on the issue.

Now, the case will be heard on May 24.