Delhi Deputy CM Initiates Defamation Action Against AAP Leader Saurabh Bharadwaj

In a significant legal maneuver, Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh has initiated both civil and criminal defamation proceedings against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj. This action arises from Bharadwaj’s social media posts, which Singh alleges falsely suggested that he exerted undue influence regarding a grave incident involving a three-year-old girl who suffered a sexual assault at a school.

The controversy began with Bharadwaj’s posts on the social media platform X on May 16, where he made allegations against Singh, claiming the Deputy Chief Minister misused his position to aid school officials implicated in the case. Singh, a senior member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), vehemently denies these accusations, labeling them as “malicious, false, and full of lies” intended to damage his reputation.

Following this, Singh filed a civil defamation complaint seeking damages amounting to Rs 5 crore in the Delhi High Court. The legal proceedings were assigned to Joint Registrar (Judicial) Gagandeep Jindal, who has summoned Bharadwaj. In a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 7, the court has directed Bharadwaj to submit a written response to the allegations within a 30-day period after receiving the summons.

On the criminal front, the case was brought before Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Paras Dalal on May 22, where the court set a date for Singh’s examination on June 9, followed by witness depositions slated for June 11. This dual approach—civil and criminal—highlights the seriousness with which Singh is treating these allegations and underscores the ongoing tensions between the political factions in Delhi.

The backdrop of this legal confrontation is critical, especially given the sensitive nature of the allegations involving a child’s safety and well-being. In recent years, Delhi’s political landscape has been rife with accusations and counter-accusations as various parties vie for dominance, particularly with the rising influence of the AAP in the capital. This incident not only brings to light the complexities of political rivalry but also raises questions about accountability and the ethics of political discourse in the wake of serious societal issues.

Source: scroll.in