Seems like Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s luck is shining these days.
It was only a few days ago that he was let off the hook over his “thulla” remark. And in yet another relief, Delhi’s Tis Hazari court has dropped the criminal complaint against the CM for allegedly using ‘defamatory and seditious’ words against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The case dates back to December 2015, when the CBI had raided Delhi Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on corruption charges against Kejriwal’s secretary Rajendra Kumar. Without mincing words, the CM had tweeted this against the PM which landed him in trouble
The complaint, filed by a Delhi lawyer Pradeep Dwivedi, had sought Kejriwal’s prosecution under Sections 124A (sedition) and 500 (defamation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) alleging there was ‘seditious intention’ behind the remarks which spread ‘hatred and contempt’ against Prime Minister Modi.
He argued that the remarks like “coward” and “psychopath” uttered by the AAP leader against Modi were “defamatory and seditious” and such statements could spread “disharmony” and “disaffection” in the country.
However, the court today said that the lawyer is “not the aggrieved party” and therefore cannot sue Mr Kejriwal. The court also upheld Article 19 (A) of the Constitution, which provides ‘Freedom of Speech and Expression’ and despite the language not being in good taste, did not qualify to be charged with penal action.
But there is yet no relief for him in another defamation suit filed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley where he had alleged Kejriwal and five AAP leaders had made “false and defamatory” statements against him.
(With Agency Inputs)