HC notice to Kejriwal, Bharti on poll expenses

The court seeks their response by Feb 25 on pleas by Vijender Gupta and Arti Mehra alleging that Kejriwal and Bharti spent beyond the statutory limit of Rs 14 lakh

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notice to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Law Minister Somnath Bharti on pleas seeking cancellation of their election for exceeding the expenditure limit in last December's assembly polls.

The court sought their response by February 25 on petitions by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Vijender Gupta and Arti Mehra alleging that Kejriwal and Bharti spent beyond the statutory limit of Rs.14 lakh.

Justice Vipin Sanghi issued notice to Kejriwal on Gupta's plea, while Justice G.S. Sistani issued notice to Bharti on Mehra's plea.

They alleged the Aam Aadmi Party leaders spent more than Rs.17 lakh in the elections held December 4, and requested the high court to declare their election null and void.