Constitution doesn't prevent a chief minister from agitating: Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Saturday defended his 32-hour agitation in the heart of the national capital, saying the Constitution did not stop a chief minister from holding an agitation.

"The central government has called my protest against the constitution but there is no provision which says that a CM cannot sit on a dharna (sit-in)," he said in his speech on the eve of Republic Day at Chhatrasal stadium here.

Kejriwal said that it was for the first time that a chief minister had protested for women's safety but by imposing prohibitory orders, the central government had proved that they were not serious about the issue. "If I have to agitate for women's safety again, I won't hesitate," he said.

The protest in the capital led to several violent scuffles1 between Aam Aadmi Party supporters and police. The Supreme Court Friday issued notice on a PIL seeking action against Kejriwal for violating the law while holding a constitutional position.

On the question of constitutional importance, the court has given six weeks time for response from the central and the Delhi government. For the other two questions relating to the enforcement of prohibitory orders, the court has sought response by Jan 31.