"It is denied that the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) has sanctioned Rs 100 crores for the anniversary and promotional campaign and petitioner (Ajay Maken) has no source to substantiate this contention," a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath was told.
The submission was made by the Delhi government through an affidavit on Maken's application seeking to restrain Arvind Kejriwal-led government from publishing or airing any advertisements and promotional campaign in and outside Delhi.
"Its Delhi's tax payer money which are being spent by AAP government and its Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to glorify their image," Singh, who was assisted by advocate Aman Panwar, submitted.
They said, "We can understand in Delhi, but why are they issuing such advertisements outside Delhi".
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Delhi Congress chief Maken also alleged that advertisements were published and aired in newspapers, TV channels and radio in and outside Delhi in violation of government advertisement guidelines and sought appropriate action against the concerned officials "for the large scale wastage of the taxpayers' money on political activities of the ruling party."
"The Delhi government has not indulged in any political promotional campaign whatsoever," it said, adding "there has be no large scale wastage of taxpayers money in any manner".
"The advertorials, which as per the case of Maken violate guidelines, merely, inform public of the policies initiated by the government and refer to plain facts and figures," Delhi government affidavit said.
It also stated that the advertorial which appeared in the papers were created, developed and designed by the newspaper themselves with respect to Delhi not having the discretion to amend the same.