Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s legal efforts to dismiss a defamation case filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been halted by the Delhi High Court. The case revolves around Kejriwal’s controversial comments alleging that names from specific communities were deliberately removed from voter lists. The ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between Kejriwal and BJP leaders.
The BJP initiated the defamation case after Kejriwal, during a public address, accused the party of orchestrating the deletion of voters with “Baniya” and “Muslim” names from electoral rolls. Kejriwal’s remarks triggered strong reactions, leading to the defamation lawsuit, which has since become a focal point in the political rivalry between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP.
Kejriwal’s legal team argued that the case lacked merit, claiming that his statements were based on reports and data available at the time, reflecting genuine concerns over voter suppression. The defense further contended that the remarks fell within the bounds of free speech and were part of Kejriwal’s duty as an elected official to address potential electoral malpractices.
However, the Delhi High Court rejected these arguments, ruling that the matter required thorough examination in a trial setting. The court emphasized that the allegations made by Kejriwal, if proven untrue, could severely damage the reputation of the individuals and the party involved. The decision to allow the case to proceed underscores the court’s view that such serious allegations warrant a proper judicial review.
The BJP welcomed the court’s decision, stating that Kejriwal’s comments were baseless and intended to mislead the public. BJP leaders argued that the Chief Minister’s accusations were a calculated attempt to undermine the party’s credibility and sow discord among voters. They expressed confidence that the judicial process would vindicate their stance and expose what they described as politically motivated falsehoods.
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