The Delhi High Court on Thursday sought replies from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its Parliamentary Board members on a suit by noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani seeking declaration of his >expulsion from the party as null and void and damages of Rs. 50 lakh for allegedly defaming him by making a statement that he was not a fit person to be member of the party.
However, Mr. Jethmalani has absolved former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and BJP Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections Narendra Modi from the liability of the damages sought.
Issuing the notices, joint registrar Hemani Malhotra asked the respondents to reply by January 30, 2014, the next date of hearing.
Mr. Jethmalani was expelled from the party in May this year for six years for alleged “breach of discipline.”
