Today, On 6th February, A Delhi court raised concerns over the maintainability of a defamation complaint filed by AAP leader Satyendra Jain against Karnail Singh. The court questioned how the case could be heard before the Special MP-MLA Court. Jain had alleged defamatory statements were made against him, prompting legal action. The matter is now under judicial consideration for jurisdictional clarity.
New Delhi: The Rouse Avenue court questioned the counsel for Satyendra Jain about the maintainability of his complaint before the special MP/MLA court, noting that Jain is a complainant and not an accused.
Jain’s lawyer referenced a Delhi High Court ruling stating that a former MLA can file a complaint in the special MP/MLA court. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Paras Dalal instructed counsel Rajat Bhardwaj to submit the relevant judgment for the record.
The matter scheduled for a hearing on February 19.
Advocate Kaustubh Khanna represented Satyendra Jain in person. Jain has filed a defamation complaint against BJP candidate Karnail Singh.
The judge inquired,
“How is this complaint maintainable here? This court hears cases against MP/MLAs.”
In response, Advocate Rajat Bhardwaj, appearing via video conference, reiterated that a former MLA can file a case in this court based on the High Court’s ruling. The court requested that the counsel provide the judgment.
Former Delhi Minister Satyendra Jain’s defamation complaint targets Karnail Singh, the BJP candidate for Shakoor Basti.
Jain alleges that during a January 19, 2025, interview on a news channel, Singh made defamatory statements, claiming that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recovered 37 kg of gold from Jain’s residence and that Jain owns 1,100 acres of land.
The complaint, filed by advocate Rajat Bhardwaj, accuses Singh of alleging that Jain amassed wealth through corruption, diverting funds meant for public use. Jain further claims Singh falsely stated that significant gold was found at his home, referred to him as a “Bhoo Mafia,” and suggested he would return to jail.
The complaint includes accusations of various other malicious and defamatory statements made against Jain.
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The defamation case involves Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi minister Satyendra Jain and Karnail Singh, who allegedly made defamatory remarks against Jain. The dispute arose after Jain accused Singh of making statements that damaged his reputation.
Jain, who has faced legal scrutiny in multiple cases, filed a complaint seeking legal action against Singh. The case was brought before the Special MP-MLA Court in Delhi, which primarily handles matters involving Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies.
However, during a recent hearing, the Delhi court questioned the maintainability of the complaint in this special court. The court sought clarification on whether the defamation case falls under its jurisdiction. The matter is now under judicial review, and further legal arguments are expected.