Delhi govt's ad in violation of SC's order: Prashant Bhushan

New Delhi, Jan 8: Activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan today said the advertisement issued by the Delhi government showing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal 'mufflerman' avatar was a clear violation of Supreme Court's order.

The Swaraj Abhiyan leader, who had also approached the apex court against the AAP government over its advertisement, said the Supreme Court has prohibited partisan propaganda and use of photographs.

"The advertisement is a clear violation of Supreme Court as it has prohibited use of government finances in any kind of propagation and also prevent taking political mileage from it.

"The court has also banned use of photos of political leaders," Bhushan said. With his back towards the camera, Kejriwal appears in the ad with a muffler wrapped around his neck and head and praises the efforts of traffic police and volunteers in making the car rationing scheme a success.

In the ad, Kejriwal is seen giving advises to the volunteers to not fight with the violators. In the 1 minute 32 seconds advertisement, Kejriwal also narrates the tale of a certain volunteer, who apparently managed to change the heart of an errant motorist by politely nudging him to follow the scheme.

When asked whether he would approach the court in this regard, Bhushan said the court was already looking into the contempt petition.

"I may raise this point during the next hearing," Bhushan said. The Congress and the BJP too have slammed Kejriwal for the advertisement.

PTI