Delhi court puts Kejriwal on trial

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal was on Friday put on trial by a Delhi court on charges of defamation on a complaint filed against him by Nitin Gadkari after he refused to settle the issue with the BJP leader.

“After careful consideration of the entire material on record, in my opinion, there is sufficient material to establish a prima facie case against accused (Kejriwal) under section 499/500 (defamation) of the IPC,” Metropolitan Magistrate Gomati Manocha said.

The court framed the notice under section 251 of the CrPC against Kejriwal after he refused to heed to the magistrate’s suggestion to amicably resolve the matter with Gadkari.

“Since the offence under section 500 IPC is compoundable, therefore the complainant (Gadkari) has been asked whether he wishes to compound the offence. However, despite efforts, no compromise could be effected between the parties,” it said.

After the court framed the notice, Kejriwal pleaded not guilty to the offence and claimed trial.

“Notice under section 251 CrPC for the said offence is accordingly framed against the accused (Kejriwal) separately to which accused pleaded not guilty and claimed trial,” the court said.

The court, however, allowed Kejriwal’s plea in which he sought exemption from personal appearance till further orders.