Delhi HC on Friday, 10 March, stayed the proceedings against Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal in connection with a corruption case. The HC of Delhi stayed the proceedings against her till the next date of hearing.
In December 2022, Maliwal had challenged the charges framed against her by the trial court under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The DCW chief is alleged to have abused her official position by illegally appointing acquaintances between 2015-2016. During the trial, Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani stayed the proceedings against her till July 26, which is the next date of hearing.
The respondents were directed to file a status report within 6 weeks. Meanwhile, Senior advocate Rebbeca John, who appeared for Maliwal, submitted that there are no allegations of her receiving any pecuniary advantage in lieu of the appointment in question.
Asking “whether nepotism is an offence under the POC Act”, Justice Bhambhani observed that the essential ingredient of receiving any pecuniary advantage is missing in the matter, which requires close consideration.
In 2022, the trial court had framed charges against Swati Maliwal, Promila Gupta, Sarika Chaudhary and Farheen Malick. It had said there is sufficient material to frame charges against the accused.