Explain steps on SC order on ads: HC asks Delhi government

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked the Delhi government to file a response indicating the steps it was taking to implement the Supreme Court's order that taxpayers' money cannot be spent to build the image of political leaders.

A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath also observed that there was nothing wrong with the AAP government calling itself "Kejriwal sarkar" as all governments do the same.

The court was hearing a bunch of PILs, including one by Congress leader Ajay Maken, saying the AAP government was still issuing advertisements in violation of the Government Advertisement (Content Regulation) Guidelines of 2014.

Maken contended that the Delhi government was wrong when it told the court that it took down advertisements which were seen to be violating the guidelines.

The court has now posted the matter for hearing on September 1.

Maken has also sought direction to put an end to advertisements allegedly glorifying Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party.

The government had earlier defended its decision to spend on the ads saying it spent Rs.22.33 crore on advertisements to spread awareness about its policies.