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Delhi Court Declines Cognizance in Case Against AAP Leader Somnath Bharti Introduction In a significant ruling, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has declined to take cognizance of the charge sheet filed against AAP leader Somnath Bharti and another accused under Section 132 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act). The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to establish a criminal offense, thereby dismissing the prosecution’s case. This decision comes after an FIR was registered at the South Campus Police Station in May 2024, alleging that Bharti and his associates entered polling locations and recorded poll procedures during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections . Background of the Case FIR & Allegations 🔹 The FIR was lodged based on two complaints from Presiding Officers of Polling Stations-12 & 14 , who alleged that: ✔️ Somnath Bharti and his supporters entered the polling locations while hiding their mobile phones. ✔️ An accused, Anshul , vid...

AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan Detained by ED in  Waqf Board Money Laundering Case The Enforcement Directorate (ED) detained Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan on Monday. The investigative agency conducted a raid at his residence in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Delhi Waqf Board, where Khan serves as Chairman.  The Allegations: Misuse of Waqf Properties The case revolves around alleged irregularities in Waqf properties, including illegal leasing and appointments. The ED claims that Khan, along with other accused, misappropriated funds and violated rules during his tenure. The agency has already filed a charge sheet against four accused persons and one firm, alleging that Rs 100 crore worth of Waqf properties were leased illegally. Raid and Detention The ED arrived at Amanatullah Khan’s residence early Monday morning, executing a search warrant. Despite his protests and claims of innocence, Khan was detained and taken into custody. Khan's cousin, Minna...

Delhi HC Seeks Response from Bansuri Swaraj on  Somnath Bharti's Plea The Delhi High Court has recently directed BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj to respond to a plea filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti, challenging her victory in the New Delhi constituency Lok Sabha elections. The plea alleges 'corrupt practices' in the election process. Court Orders Removal of BSP Candidate from Case The court has also ordered the removal of Raaj Kumar Anand, a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate, from the list of respondents. Somnath Bharti had alleged that Anand was used by the BJP to siphon votes away from him. However, the court found that Anand, who received only 5,269 votes, had no substantial impact on the election outcome. His name was removed from the case due to lack of valid cause of action. Returning Officer's Role and EVMs/VVPATs Another point of contention was the involvement of the Returning Officer, who argued that they were not a necessary party in the case. The...

Delhi High Court to Rule on Bibhav Kumar's Plea Against  Arrest in Swati Maliwal 'Assault' Case                 The Delhi High Court is set to deliver a crucial verdict on July 1, 2024, regarding the maintainability of a plea filed by Bibhav Kumar, a close aide of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kumar is seeking a declaration that his arrest by Delhi Police in connection with the Swati Maliwal assault case was illegal. Background of the Case Bibhav Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police on May 18, 2024, following an FIR registered by Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, who alleged assault. Kumar’s plea contends that his arrest was in violation of legal procedures, particularly the guidelines outlined in Section 41A of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Court Proceedings Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma reserved the order on the maintainability of Kumar's plea after hearing arguments on May 31, 2024. Senior Advocate N Hariharan, representing Kumar...

Delhi Court Sends Arvind Kejriwal to Judicial Custody  Till July 12 In a significant development, the Delhi Court has sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody until July 12 in connection with the excise policy case. The decision came after Kejriwal’s three-day Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody ended, and the court decided not to extend it further. Court's Decision and Immediate Reactions The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi ordered the judicial remand of Arvind Kejriwal, following arguments presented by both the prosecution and defense. Advocate DP Singh, representing the CBI, argued that Kejriwal had been uncooperative during his police custody, providing evasive replies contrary to the evidence on record. The court found these arguments sufficient to warrant judicial custody. AAP’s Response The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called the court’s decision a conspiracy orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). AAP leader Sanjay Singh criticized the CBI...

Delhi Excise Policy PMLA Case: Rs 100 Crore Bribe  Allegation and Bail Plea The controversy surrounding the Delhi Excise Policy continues to deepen as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposes the bail plea of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The ED has alleged a demand for a Rs 100 crore bribe, asserting the involvement of Kejriwal in money laundering activities. Bribe Demand and Money Laundering:    The ED has established that a significant amount of money, totaling Rs 100 crore, was demanded as a bribe. This money, according to the ED, was funneled through hawala transactions, with Chanpreet Singh identified as the individual who facilitated these transactions. The ED claims that a substantial amount of this money was given to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in cash and was used to fund a luxurious 7-star hotel stay for Kejriwal. Prosecution's Standpoint: Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, representing the ED, argued that the Central Bureau of Investigation (C...

Investigation into Alleged Assault on Swati Maliwal: Delhi Police May Visit CM's House to Record Statements The Delhi Police may visit the Chief Minister's residence on Friday to record statements from the policemen and staff present during the alleged assault on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal, according to sources. FIR Filed and Section 164 Statements An FIR was filed at the Civil Lines police station on Thursday regarding the alleged assault on Swati Maliwal, AAP's Rajya Sabha MP. Maliwal has accused Bibhav Kumar, the personal secretary to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, of physically assaulting her. The police plan to record Maliwal's statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. This section allows a magistrate to record statements or confessions during a police investigation before a trial. Details of the Alleged Incident Maliwal made a PCR call from the Chief Minister's house at 9:34 PM on May 13, reporting the assault...