Delhi HC refuses to direct ECI after plea seeks to cancel AAP registration

The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a plea seeking the cancellation of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) registration, alleging the party failed to disclose criminal antecedents of its candidates in the upcoming assembly elections.

The petition, filed by Ashwin Mudgal, argued that AAP’s non-disclosure of its alleged involvement in the liquor scam violated Supreme Court directives. The SC mandates that political parties and candidates must publish their criminal antecedents.

Mudgal's counsel claimed AAP, accused in the liquor scam, had not disclosed its status in the case, which goes against transparency norms outlined by the apex court. The petitioner sought directions to the Election Commission of India to cancel the party’s registration.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, however, refused to entertain the plea. The court clarified that the SC’s directive did not include a provision to de-recognise political parties for such violations.

Following the court’s remarks, the petitioner withdrew the plea but was granted the liberty to approach the Supreme Court on the matter.

The case highlights ongoing concerns over transparency and accountability in electoral processes as political parties face scrutiny for adhering to mandated disclosure norms.