A Delhi court has temporarily stayed the criminal defamation case against Chief Minister Atishi, providing her with relief in ongoing legal disputes. The stay followed her challenge against a previous summons linked to allegations made by BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor, who claimed Atishi’s statements tarnished his reputation. Further proceedings are scheduled for December 2, 2024.
New Delhi: A court in Delhi on Friday stayed the proceedings in a criminal defamation case against Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, providing temporary relief in the ongoing legal dispute.
Special Judge Vishal Gogne directed that the proceedings before the trial court would remain stayed till further orders, while setting the next hearing for December 2, 2024. The order came in response to an application filed by Atishi, challenging a magisterial court’s earlier decision to summon her in the case.
“It is directed that the proceedings before the trial court shall remain stayed till further orders. List for submissions on December 2, 2024,”
the judge said, putting the defamation case on hold for now.
The defamation complaint was filed by BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor, who accused Atishi of making defamatory statements against him. Kapoor alleged that Atishi, along with former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, claimed that BJP leaders approached 21 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs with offers of ₹25 lakh each to switch parties and topple the AAP government.
Atishi’s reported claims had sparked controversy, alleging that BJP leaders were attempting to “poach AAP MLAs” with monetary offers. Kapoor argued that these accusations were false and lacked evidence. He filed a criminal defamation complaint, asserting that Atishi’s statements tarnished his reputation.
The magisterial court, on May 28, had issued summons to Atishi in connection with the case. However, the court had declined to summon Kejriwal as an accused. On July 23, Atishi appeared before the court and was subsequently granted bail.
Atishi contested the summons order, leading to the recent decision by Special Judge Gogne to stay the trial court proceedings. This development comes as a significant legal reprieve for the Delhi CM amid a politically charged environment.
The matter is set to be heard again on December 2, 2024, when further submissions will be made. The stay order underscores the court’s acknowledgment of the need for closer examination of the case before proceeding with the trial.
The criminal defamation case against Atishi highlights the intersection of politics and legal challenges, especially in the context of high-stakes allegations. As the matter awaits further judicial scrutiny, both sides prepare for the next phase of this contentious legal battle.
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