AAP govt ads ‘misusing public funds’: SC panel to look into matter, says HC

The pleas had sought action against the Arvind Kejriwal-led government for allegedly wasting taxpayers’ money to issue advertisements for “publicity” of the party in Delhi and other states, in violation of guidelines by the Supreme Court.

Last week, the AAP government had informed the court that it had set up its own panel, in line with the notification issued by the central government to all state governments. However, advocate Aman Panwar, appearing for Maken, argued that since Delhi was a Union Territory, the notification did not apply to it. Maken had also filed a representation before the Supreme Court-appointed panel in May.

“The issue of content regulation with regards to government advertising will be taken up by central government’s committee and addressed in a timely manner. Accordingly, the petitions stand disposed of,” said the bench.

The three-member committee, headed by former Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon, was constituted by the Centre following an order by the apex court on May 13, 2015. The Supreme Court order had laid down the criteria for content in government advertisements.