Kejriwal trial for defamation begins

Kejriwal has refused to settle the matter out of court or withdraw his statement

Arvind Kejriwal

Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal on Friday faced trial in a Delhi court on charges of defamation based on a complaint filed by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nitin Gadkari.

The former Delhi Chief Minister, who stood by his statement terming Mr. Gadkari as one of “India’s most corrupt” politicians, refused to settle the matter out of court or withdraw his statement.

Metropolitan Magistrate Gomati Manocha, who framed the notice against Mr. Kejriwal, will record statements of Mr. Gadkari and witnesses on August 2. Mr. Kejriwal refused to settle the case even though the Union Minister expressed his readiness to drop his complaint if the AAP leader withdrew his statement.

“After careful consideration of the entire material on record, in my opinion, there is sufficient material to establish a

prima facie case against the accused (Mr. Kejriwal) under section 499/500 (defamation) of the IPC,” the Magistrate said.

During the hearing, the Magistrate asked Mr. Kejriwal to “shake hands” and finish the matter on an amicable note. “Why don’t you bury the hatchet and utilise the time in a more productive manner? Both of you are renowned politicians, people look up to you,” the court said.

Appearing before the court, Mr. Gadkari, said “honesty was his political strength.” The AAP leader said he had documentary proof to support his claim against the Minister.