Petition Challenging Shah’s 2022 Removal Dismissed as Withdrawn
New Delhi, May 17 – The Delhi High Court has allowed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Jasmine Shah to withdraw his petition against a 2022 order that restrained him from functioning as the vice chairperson of the Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi (DDCD).Justice Sachin Datta passed the order earlier this month, stating, "Learned counsel for the petitioner seeks to withdraw the present petition. The same is accordingly dismissed as withdrawn."
The Delhi government’s counsel told the court that the petition had lost relevance since the authorities maintained that Shah had been lawfully removed from his post.
Background of the Case
Shah had filed the petition in response to a November 17, 2022, order issued by the Director (Planning) on the direction of the Lieutenant Governor (LG), requesting then Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to remove him from the DDCD vice chairperson position.Following the order, the DDCD offices were sealed, and Shah’s official facilities were revoked. In his plea, Shah described the actions as a "gross abuse of power" and called them "illegal, malafide, and without jurisdiction." He also contested the locking of his office and the withdrawal of associated privileges.
LG’s Stand and Referral to the President
During the proceedings, the LG’s counsel informed the court that the matter of Shah’s removal had been referred to the President of India, further reinforcing the government's position on the legality of the removal.Shah’s Role in Delhi Government Initiatives
Jasmine Shah was instrumental in formulating Delhi’s acclaimed electric vehicle policy. As vice chairman of DDCD, the city’s policy think tank, he contributed to several initiatives, including the food truck policy, electronic city blueprint, and the Delhi Shopping Festival.Prior to the 2022 order, Shah held the rank of Cabinet minister and was entitled to benefits such as government accommodation, office facilities, a vehicle, and personal staff.
The petition withdrawal effectively ends the legal challenge, aligning with the administration’s consistent stance on the issue.
