New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued a notice to Chief Minister Atishi in response to a plea filed by BJP leader Praveen Shankar Kapoor, challenging the rejection of a defamation case against her. The case pertains to Atishi’s allegations that the BJP attempted to poach AAP MLAs by offering hefty bribes.
Justice Vikas Mahajan issued the notice while hearing the plea, which contests a revisional court’s decision to dismiss Kapoor’s defamation complaint. Kapoor’s counsel argued that the revisional court exceeded its jurisdiction by quashing the summons issued by a magisterial court against Atishi. He further objected to the court’s remarks that described Atishi as a whistleblower, asserting that such observations should be stayed.
Kapoor, a former media head and spokesperson for Delhi BJP, had accused Atishi of making unsubstantiated claims in press conferences held on January 27 and April 2, 2024. During these events, Atishi alleged that the BJP had approached AAP MLAs with offers ranging between ₹20-25 crore to switch allegiance.
Following the issuance of summons by a magisterial court, Atishi filed a revision petition before a special judge, challenging the order. Notably, the defamation complaint also included former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as an accused, but the magisterial court, in its order dated May 28, 2024, found insufficient grounds to proceed against him.
On January 28, Special Judge Vishal Gogne dismissed the complaint against Atishi, ruling that her statements fell within her right to free speech, particularly in matters concerning political corruption. The judge further held that the pre-summoning evidence presented did not justify summoning Atishi as an accused.
The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the case in April.
