Defamation case against CM, AAP MP: Delhi court to hear arguments on Feb 6

A Delhi court on Monday scheduled the hearing on February 6 regarding arguments in a defamation case filed by former Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit against Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and AAP MP Sanjay Singh.

Dikshit is also contesting the Delhi Assembly elections from the New Delhi constituency against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal. The Congress leader alleged that Atishi and Singh made defamatory statements against him and the Indian National Congress (INC) during a press conference on December 26, 2024.

Dikshit’s counsel advocate Sarim Naved argued that they falsely accused him and the INC of colluding with the BJP to defeat AAP in the elections.

“These allegations were made without any substantial evidence and have severely damaged my reputation,” he said.

The case hinges on accusations made by Atishi and Singh that Dikshit had accepted huge sum of money from the BJP and was part of a conspiracy to undermine the AAP’s electoral prospects.

The court, in its proceedings, noted that some pages of the complaint shared with the accused were illegible and directed Dikshit’s counsel to provide clearer copies. Atishi and Singh’s legal counsel stated: “We are reviewing the allegations, but a complete and clear copy of the complaint is necessary for a detailed response.”

Dikshit’s counsel also offered a potential resolution, stating that if the accused retracted their allegations, they could consider not pursuing the case.

The controversy stems from a post on X by CM Atishi on December 26, 2024, which claimed, “The BJP is helping the Congress in the Delhi election.”

The post has since garnered significant attention, with over 30,000 views. Dikshit’s complaint highlighted that despite sending a legal notice on January 2, the post remains online, amplifying the alleged harm to his reputation.

The case is being considered under Sections 223 and 222(1) of the BNS Act, 2023. The court had previously issued notices to Atishi and Singh on January 16, directing them to respond to the allegations.