The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked the Centre about steps taken by it for appointing a three-member committee to oversee issuance of advertisements by its Ministries, Departments and agencies following the May 13 Supreme Court ruling that laid down parameters with regard to the use of public funds on releasing ads.
The Apex court had held that government advertisements could not be used for the benefit of political leaders.
The case has come up before the High Court through a bunch of public interest litigations, including one filed by Congress leader Ajay Maken.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath asked the Centre’s counsel during the hearing of the matter to file a short affidavit specifying the steps taken so far for constituting the committee.
Counsel Anil Soni informed the Bench that the Union government was in the process of appointing the committee.
“You have been saying that it is in process, but when will the committee be constituted?
“File a short affidavit,” the Bench directed, posting the case for further hearing on October 7.
Mr. Maken’s counsel said the Delhi government was still publishing advertisements glorifying Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party. He submitted some newspaper clippings purportedly carrying advertisements marking the completion of six months of the AAP government.
The Delhi government had earlier defended its decision on advertisement expenditure and informed the Court through an affidavit that it had spent Rs.22.33 crore on advertisements to spread awareness about its policies and programmes.
Mr. Maken’s petition had alleged that the Delhi government was “misappropriating public funds” for publishing advertisements even in regions that had no business with the policies and programmes of Delhi. It alleged that this was being done to promote the political interests of the AAP.
You have been saying that it is in process, but when will the committee be constituted?
