The Rouse Avenue Court on Monday directed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Praveen Shankar Kapoor to file a reply to a revision petition moved by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi in an ongoing defamation case. The case stems from a defamation complaint filed by Kapoor against the Delhi CM.
The defamation case was initiated after Kapoor accused Atishi of making false claims during a press conference, where she alleged that the BJP had approached her to join the party. Atishi has already challenged the summoning order issued by the court in May, and Special Judge Vishal Gogne has now directed Kapoor to respond. The court scheduled the matter for further arguments on October 23 and 24.
Legal Proceedings So Far
Kapoor’s defamation complaint followed Atishi’s statements during an April 2 press conference, where she claimed that a “close person” had approached her on behalf of the BJP, asking her to join the party or face arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Kapoor, through his legal team, sent a notice to Atishi demanding an apology and withdrawal of her claims, arguing that the statements were defamatory, false, and aimed at harming the BJP’s reputation.
In response to the complaint, the Rouse Avenue Court had issued summons to Atishi in May. She was granted bail on July 23 after appearing in court and furnishing a bail bond.
Court Adjournments and Arguments
While the case progresses in the appellate court, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate has adjourned the matter until November 5, awaiting the case records. The court’s decision to issue a notice to Kapoor for filing a reply marks the latest development in the ongoing legal battle.
Atishi is represented by senior advocate Ramesh Gupta, alongside advocates Shailendra Singh and Mudit Jain, while senior advocate Ajay Burman, accompanied by Shoumendu Mukherjee, represents Kapoor.
During her press conference, Atishi claimed that the BJP had used threats of arrest through central probe agencies to pressure her into joining the party. She accused the BJP-led central government of using agencies like the ED to intimidate opposition leaders, asserting that similar actions would be taken against other AAP leaders in the run-up to the general elections.
Despite the legal challenges, Atishi remains defiant, asserting, “We are soldiers of Arvind Kejriwal… We will continue to save the Constitution and work for the people under his leadership.”