Delhi Prisons Chief Rebukes Kejriwal Over Independence Day Hoisting Plans

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's request for Cabinet minister Atishi to hoist the national flag on Independence Day has sparked controversy after Tihar authorities labeled the letter as an "abuse of privileges." The dispute centers on whether the letter, which was not forwarded to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, overstepped the bounds of Kejriwal's authority under the Delhi Prison Rules.

The Delhi Prisons Department, headed by the Chief of Tihar, has indicated that Kejriwal's directive was not only unauthorized but also a misuse of his official powers. According to prison officials, Kejriwal's communication did not follow the proper channels and was deemed inappropriate for the occasion.

Kejriwal's office, however, maintains that the letter was a routine administrative decision to mark the national holiday with due respect and representation. The Chief Minister's team argues that such gestures are standard practice and crucial for fostering national pride and unity.

The tensions reflect broader issues between the Delhi government and the Lieutenant Governor's office, often marred by administrative and procedural disagreements. The Delhi Prisons Department's stance has amplified the ongoing debate about the scope of authority and the proper conduct for ceremonial functions involving high-profile officials.

As the Independence Day approaches, the matter remains unresolved, and its impact on the relationship between Delhi's governance structures and the Lieutenant Governor's office is yet to be fully seen.