The Delhi Court has directed Delhi Police to speed up the investigation into the 2019 illegal hoardings case involving AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, asking for a detailed status report on the progress of the probe.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: A court in Delhi has adjourned the hearing in a complaint against former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others over alleged illegal hoardings erected in the Dwarka area in 2019. The matter has been listed for the next hearing on December 11.
The complaint, filed by Shiv Kumar Saxena, alleged that during Kejriwal’s government, the accused parties installed large banners and hoardings across multiple locations in Dwarka, in violation of the law governing defacement of public property. The plea was lodged under the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007 (DPDP Act).
Background
The case stems from allegations that public property in Dwarka was defaced in 2019 through the installation of unauthorised political hoardings and banners. A complaint was filed by Shiv Kumar Saksena, claiming that former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, ex-MLA Gulab Singh, and MCD councillor Nitika Sharma were responsible.
Following multiple hearings, the Rouse Avenue Court on March 11 directed Delhi Police to register an FIR under Section 3 of the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007 and any other applicable provisions. Police informed the court on March 28 that the FIR had been registered.
On August 11, the Forensic Science Laboratory submitted its report on a CD related to the case. The investigation accelerated thereafter.
ALSO READ: Court Summons FSL Director in Arvind Kejriwal Hoarding Case
During a recent hearing, the Investigating Officer stated that Gulab Singh and Nitika Sharma had already been questioned, but the interrogation of Arvind Kejriwal was pending as he was “not in Delhi.” The police requested additional time, prompting ACJM Neha Mittal to direct them to expedite the probe and file a detailed status report on December 3. The court had earlier granted an extension on September 29.
Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007
The Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007, was enacted to prohibit and penalize the defacement of public and private property in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. It applies across the entire region and came into effect on a date notified by the Lieutenant Governor in the Official Gazette.
Key Highlights
- Definition of Defacement: Any action that damages, disfigures, spoils, or affects the appearance or beauty of a property, including writing, painting, printing, marking, or decorating on public view surfaces.
- Meaning of Property: Includes buildings, walls, structures, trees, fences, posts, poles, huts, and any other erected construction.
- Punishment:
Anyone who defaces property visible to the public, other than for mentioning the name and address of the owner, may face:- Up to one year imprisonment
- A fine up to ₹50,000
- Or both
- Corporate/Organizational Liability: If the offence benefits a company, organization, or group, officials such as directors, managers, or leaders may also be held guilty unless they prove lack of knowledge or involvement.
- Cognizable Offence: Police may take action, investigate, and arrest without needing a warrant.
- Compoundable Offences: The Government may allow settlement of cases on payment of a specified compounding fee, after which no further legal action follows.
- Power of Authorities: The Lieutenant Governor may remove or erase unauthorized markings or defaced surfaces.
- Override Clause: This Act prevails over other conflicting laws, except where advertisements are placed at officially authorized sites.
- Repeal: The Act replaces the West Bengal Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1976 (previously applicable in Delhi), though actions taken earlier remain valid.
Click Here to Read More Reports On Arvind Kejriwal