Dikshit told to appear in court

Chief minister Sheila Dikshit was directed by a court here on Friday to appear before it on November 9 in a defamation case filed by her against city BJP chief Vijender Gupta.

Metropolitan magistrate Navjeet Budhiraja made it clear to the counsel appearing for Dikshit that he should ensure her presence on the next date of hearing, or else the case will be dismissed. The court said Dikshit has not appeared before it since recording of evidence on May 30.

“Considering the fact that the complainant has not appeared since the recording of her statement against Gupta, she is directed to appear in person, otherwise the case of the complainant (Dikshit) shall be dismissed,” the magistrate said.

Dikshit’s counsel Mehmood Pracha submitted that she was following the Delhi High Court’s direction that she could take exemption from personal appearance on valid grounds by moving the appropriate application. “Today we are seeking exemption as she is busy in performing her duties as a public servant,” said Pracha.

Brushing aside the submission, the court said, “She (Dikshit) is also like other complainants who have lodged complaints against an accused, so she needs to appear before the court.”

“If she seeks regular exemption then you will only face delay in the case being decided,” the court added.