Delhi News: In the latest flash point between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the bureaucracy in the national capital, Delhi Minister Atishi has showcaused the secretary and director of the Information and Publicity department for issuing a newspaper advertisement without Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's photo.
In the notice issued on Tuesday, Atishi asked the officers to explain -- within three days -- why the cost of the advertisement should not be recovered from their salaries as they were published without the approval of the minister-in-charge.
The notice came after Atishi's proposal to feature Kejriwal’s photograph in a full-page Independence Day ad in newspapers was turned down by the Secretary of the Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP), citing the CM’s status as an “undertrial prisoner”.
In a note on August 14, the DIP objected to carrying the chief minister's photo observing Independence Day is not like any other festival, saying it is not an event for projection of individuals, "especially in unprecedented circumstances when the individual under question is an undertrial prisoner, being under judicial custody as per due process of law." Chief Minister Kejriwal is currently under judicial custody after his arrest on March 21 in connection with an excise policy case.
The advertisement, which was published in newspapers on August 15, did not carry Kejriwal’s photograph and was also smaller than the size specified by the Delhi government.
What Does The Notice Say?
On August 14, Atishi directed the department to carry a full-page advertisement in line with last year's practice and approved the creative plan with Kejriwal's photograph. She said that Kejriwal is the head of the democratically elected government of the NCT of Delhi and his photograph embodies the values of democracy and independence
Atishi also specifically directed that no other creative plan except for the one approved by her will be released by the DIP, according to the showcause notice.
"Despite this instruction, the DIP proceeded to release a half-page advertisement without the photo of the CM on August 15 in complete violation of the directions of the minister in-charge which amounts to wilful disobedience and gross insubordination," the showcause notice said.
"The entire process was compromised and procedurally invalid," it added. Further referring to the relevant rules under the Government of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991, the notice said the I&P minister is the competent authority to make decisions or pass directions and is primarily responsible for the disposal of business pertaining to DIP.
The notice claimed violation of the relevant rules of GNCTD Act, Article 239 AA of the Constitution, Supreme Court judgement dated July 4, 2018, as well as All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 by the DIP secretary and director, asking them to show cause as to why action should not be taken against them.