The Delhi High Court issued a notice to BJP leader Harish Khurana in a case involving Sunita Kejriwal’s alleged violation of election laws. Khurana failed to appear in court multiple times. Sunita’s counsel argued the trial court’s decision lacked evidence and responsibility for her voter registration issue rested with authorities. The next hearing is set for December 10.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (Nov 15th) issued a fresh notice to BJP leader Harish Khurana in response to a plea by Sunita Kejriwal, wife of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, challenging a summons issued for her alleged violation of election laws.
The summons accuses Sunita Kejriwal of being registered as a voter in two assembly constituencies, which would contravene the Representation of the People (RP) Act.
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh noted that Khurana, the complainant, has failed to appear before the court on four consecutive occasions despite being duly served notice.
“As per the office report, respondent no. 2 (complainant) has been duly served. None for respondent no. 2 since the last four occasions despite notice. In the interest of justice, court notice be issued to respondent no. 2. It is made clear that if he fails to appear on the next date of hearing after service of notice, the matter will proceed,” the court stated.
The next hearing is scheduled for December 10.
In November 2022, the High Court had issued a notice to the State and Khurana on Sunita Kejriwal’s petition challenging the trial court’s order summoning her on the alleged violation. The interim order, which stayed this summons, will remain effective until further proceedings.
In his complaint, Khurana claimed that Sunita Kejriwal was simultaneously registered as a voter in Sahibabad (Ghaziabad, UP) and Delhi’s Chandni Chowk assembly constituency, violating Section 17 of the RP Act, which prohibits dual registration. According to Khurana, this action makes her liable under Section 31 of the RP Act, dealing with false declarations, which can carry a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.
During the hearing, Sunita Kejriwal’s counsel argued that the trial court’s order lacked proper consideration. She contended that Sunita had submitted a declaration regarding her change of residence and that it was the responsibility of authorities to remove her name from the prior electoral list. “There was no evidence of record to show that the petitioner had made any false statement,” her counsel submitted.
The trial court’s initial summons, issued on August 29, 2023, stated that a prima facie case was established against Sunita Kejriwal for violations under Section 31 of the RP Act based on witness testimonies. However, with the High Court’s stay in place, Sunita Kejriwal awaits a final ruling on December 10, which could determine the course of this politically sensitive case.
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
