A Delhi court on Monday summoned Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and suspended BJP MP Kirti Azad in a defamation case filed by the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) and its vice-president Chetan Chauhan.
The complainants alleged that they were aggrieved by Mr. Kejriwal’s statement during an interview with NDTV in December 2015. “... a very senior journalist told me over phone that he got a call that his son was selected (for playing cricket), but when the list came out his name was not there. Next day, his wife got an SMS that you come to my office (official’s house) at night and your son’s name will be there (in the list),” the Chief Minister had allegedly said.
Summoning Mr. Kejriwal, Metropolitan Magistrate Abhilash Malhotra said: “It is prima facie clear from the record that Mr. Kejriwal during his interview to NDTV has made the remark. No details are divulged by Mr. Kejriwal during his interview.”
“It is clear that Mr. Kejriwal made such a defamatory remark on the basis of hearsay information from his friend. Accordingly, the provisions of Sections 499, 500 of the IPC [defamation] are attracted against Mr. Kejriwal,” the magistrate said.
Against Mr. Azad, the complainants alleged that he had endorsed Mr. Kejriwal’s defamatory expression by saying “this is nothing new,” and that he had raised a similar issue in 2007.
“It is prima facie clear that Mr. Azad has levelled disparaging allegations against the DDCA and its officials, alleging selection of players in consideration of sexual favours. Accordingly, the provisions of Sections 499, 500 of the IPC are attracted against Mr. Azad,” the magistrate said.
“Both the accused i.e. Mr. Kejriwal and Mr. Azad are summoned for the offence of defamation under Sections 499, 500 of the IPC. Put up for the appearance of the accused persons and further proceedings on February 18,” the magistrate said.
