A Delhi court is likely to frame charges against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Deputy Manish Sisodia on August 8 in a criminal defamation complaint.
Kejriwal's lawyer said Metropolitan Magistrate Pranjal Aneja on Wednesday asked the two AAP leaders and Yogendra Yadav to appear before him on August 8.
The court was hearing the criminal defamation complaint filed against the two AAP leaders, who sought quashing of the plea, and Mr. Yadav by advocate Surender Kumar Sharma, who was denied a ticket by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
“Order on notice under CrPC pronounced and matter listed for issuance of notice,” the court said in its order and listed the case for framing of charges on August 8 for the alleged offence of defamation.
Party ticket
Mr. Sharma, in his complaint, had alleged that in 2013 he was approached by volunteers of AAP who had asked him to contest the Delhi Assembly elections on a party ticket, saying Mr. Kejriwal was pleased with his social services.
He filled up the application form to contest the polls after allegedly being told by Mr. Sisodia and Mr. Yadav that AAP's Political Affairs Committee had decided to give him the ticket. However, it was later denied to him.
On October 14, 2013 the complainant claimed, articles in leading newspapers carried “defamatory, unlawful and derogatory words used by the accused persons” which have lowered his reputation in the Bar and the society.
Opposing the complaint, the AAP leaders had submitted that cancellation or allotment of an election ticket is the prerogative of the party.
On the basis of the complaint, the trial court had earlier sought their presence before it in the matter. It, however, had granted bail to Kejriwal, Sisodia and Yadav.
