Independence Day Flag Hoisting Controversy in Delhi

A dispute erupted in Delhi over the authorization for hoisting the national flag on Independence Day as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, currently in jail, tried to delegate the task to minister Atishi. The General Administration Department deemed this direction legally invalid. Preparations and final decisions remain pending.

In a recent twist of events, uncertainty looms in Delhi over who will hoist the national flag during the official Independence Day function. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, currently in jail on corruption charges, sought to appoint minister Atishi for the task.

GAD Minister Gopal Rai had instructed the department to arrange for Atishi to unfurl the flag following the chief minister's wishes. However, GAD additional chief secretary Navin Kumar Chaudhary labeled Kejriwal's direction as 'legally invalid and not actionable'. Chaudhary further clarified that communication from the CM regarding this request was not permissible under prison rules.

With the preparations for the event underway at Chhatrasal Stadium, the matter has been escalated to higher authorities for a final resolution. Meanwhile, Kejriwal's action has been critiqued by Tihar Jail authorities as an 'abuse of privileges' under the Delhi Prison Rules.

(With inputs from agencies.)