In a major legal victory for Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, a Delhi court on Tuesday dismissed a defamation complaint filed by a BJP leader, providing significant relief ahead of next week’s Delhi elections. The Rouse Avenue Court quashed the summons issued in connection with the defamation charges, ruling that Atishi’s remarks were made against the BJP as a whole and not against any individual member.
The defamation case stemmed from comments made by Atishi in April last year, when she alleged that she and other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders were approached by individuals linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Atishi claimed that these individuals pressured her to join the BJP or face arrest by the Enforcement Directorate within a month. The allegations were made in the context of rising political tensions and the ongoing investigation into Delhi’s liquor excise policy.
In response to these allegations, BJP leader Praveen Shankar Kapoor filed a defamation complaint, asserting that the accusations were false and lacked substantial evidence. Kapoor contended that Atishi and other AAP leaders had not provided any material to substantiate their claims.
The Rouse Avenue Court, while dismissing the complaint, emphasized the high threshold of proof required in political defamation cases, particularly when freedom of speech is involved. The court noted that Atishi’s statement was directed at the BJP as a party, not at specific individuals, and that the summons issued against her suffered from material errors and infirmities, thus making them liable to be set aside.
The ruling came as a significant development for Atishi, who has been preparing for re-election from her Kalkaji constituency in the upcoming Delhi elections. The case had created a stir in the political landscape, particularly with senior AAP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former deputy Manish Sisodia, in jail over corruption charges related to the Delhi liquor policy scam. During this period, Atishi emerged as one of the party’s top leaders alongside Greater Kailash MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj.
The court’s decision also brings relief to the AAP ahead of the 2024 Delhi elections, as the party continues to face intense political and legal challenges. With the case dismissed, Atishi can now focus on her campaign and the crucial election battle in Delhi.
In its order, the Rouse Avenue Court also granted bail to Atishi earlier in the proceedings, setting her bail at Rs 20,000, and excused Kejriwal from the same complaint. This legal setback for the BJP comes as the political atmosphere in Delhi grows more heated, with both AAP and BJP intensifying their campaigns ahead of the elections.
The dismissal of the defamation case is seen as a boost for Atishi and her party, who have faced numerous hurdles in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. The court’s decision reflects the complexities of political defamation cases, where the balance between freedom of speech and legal accountability is often tested.
Sources By Agencies