The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed a writ petition moved by Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti challenging an order of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) holding him guilty of racial prejudice and unlawful acts. The matter relates to a controversial midnight raid launched by him against some African women in Khirki Extension here earlier this year.
Justice V.K. Shali of the High Court said the petition was premature as the NHRC was seized of the matter by allowing Mr. Bharti’s request to be heard. The Commission is likely to pronounce its decision after hearing him on January 13, 2015.
Mr. Bharti had sought nullification of the NHRC’s September 29 order asking the Delhi Government to pay Rs.25,000 each as compensation to the 12 African women. His petition said he was not given any notice of proceedings initiated suo motu by the NHRC, in which he was viewed as the wrongdoer and was not given an opportunity of being heard.
The Court said the petition was not maintainable at this stage as the September 29 order was under scrutiny before the NHRC. The NHRC has also directed the Delhi Government to defer payment of monetary relief to African women for two months.
