Kejriwal’s charges hit my reputation: Jaitley
minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday charged chief minister Arvind Kejriwal with making “a series of false, scandalous and defamatory allegations” regarding the alleged DDCA controversy, which had “adversely impacted” his reputation.
During a stormy proceeding in a Delhi court, the chief minister and five other AAP leaders, facing criminal defamation case lodged by the union minister, attempted in vain to get the recording of Jaitley’s testimony stalled on the grounds that Kejriwal has had to engage a senior lawyer to replace noted jurist Ram Jethmalani, who had a bitter fallout with him recently.
Besides the CM, AAP leaders Ashutosh, Kumar Vishwas and Sanjay Singh also sought adjournment on the grounds that their lawyers were unwell.
Their plea was rejected by the court, which recorded the statement of Jaitely.
Referring to alleged assertions made by six AAP leaders, the BJP leader said his reputation has been “adversely impacted” among the public due to “a series of false, scandalous and defamatory allegations” made by Kejriwal and others in connection with the alleged DDCA controversy.
Kejriwal and the others had accused Jaitley of financial irregularities in the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) of which he was the president from 2000 to 2013, after which the minister lodged defamation cases against them.
Senior advocate Siddhatha Luthra and advocate Manoj Taneja, appearing for Jaitley, opposed the plea of Kejriwal and others seeking adjournment and said it was frivolous and part of their “delaying tactic”.
Chief metropolitan magistrate Sumit Dass allowed Jaitley, the complainant, to record his statement, saying “I do not find any reason to stall the proceedings.”
Ashutosh, Singh and Vishwas opposed the proceedings, saying they felt “handicapped” as their advocates were not available and they lacked knowledge about legal proceedings.
The recording of Jaitley’s statements remained inconclusive and the court posted the matter for September 25.
Meanwhile, Kejriwal was given exemption from personal appearance for the day by the court after his counsel submitted that he was busy in a meeting.
South Delhi Municipal Corporation has constituted a task force to improve sanitation services. South mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat on Saturday organised a meeting with commissioner Puneet Kumar Goel and other senior officials to discuss the status of initiatives taken by to improve cleanliness.
She also announced a task force under the leadership of the additional commissioner, SDMC.
The task force will conduct surprise inspections of sanitation works, local garbage stations sites and residential areas. It will ensure proper utilisation of resources and ensure sanitation workers and supervisors work in full strength.
HTC