New Delhi [India]: The Rouse Avenue Court has scheduled pre-cognizance arguments for February 6 in a defamation complaint filed by former Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit against Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and AAP MP Sanjay Singh.
Complaint Details
The complaint alleges that Atishi and Sanjay Singh made defamatory statements against Dikshit and the Indian National Congress (INC) during a press conference on December 26, 2024. They allegedly accused Dikshit and the INC of colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to defeat the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Delhi Assembly elections.
The live press conference was reportedly shared by Atishi on her X (formerly Twitter) account, with the caption: “BJP is helping Congress in the Delhi election.” The post garnered over 30,000 views and widespread circulation.
Dikshit contends that the allegations were baseless and aimed at damaging his reputation and that of his party. His counsel argued that the accused failed to provide any evidence to substantiate their claims.
Legal Proceedings
The court issued notices on January 16 to the proposed accused, granting them an opportunity to respond before taking cognizance of the complaint.
Advocate Rajat Bhardwaj, representing Atishi and Sanjay Singh, confirmed receiving the complaint but requested legible copies of certain documents. The court directed Dikshit’s counsel to supply the requested copies.
Key Allegations
The complaint asserts that:
- The accused organized a press conference making defamatory allegations without evidence.
- Atishi’s X post further amplified the allegations, causing reputational harm.
- The defamatory statements were widely reported by national media.
Possible Resolution
Dikshit’s counsel indicated a willingness to reconsider prosecution if the accused withdraw the allegations.
The court will next hear the matter on February 6 for pre-cognizance arguments.
Context
The defamation case emerges amidst a heated electoral battle in Delhi, where Dikshit is contesting against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency.