Court frames charges against Kejriwal in defamation case

New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) A Delhi Court on Friday framed charges against AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal in a defamation case filed against him by BJP leader and union minister Nitin Gadkari.

Gadkari says Kejriwal had defamed him by including his name in the AAP’s list of "India’s most corrupt".

Metropolitan Magistrate Gomati Manocha filed charges against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and posted the matter for Aug 2.

The court’s order came after Kejriwal refused to withdraw his statement in which he had levelled allegations against Gadkari. Earlier in the day, the court suggested both the leaders bury the hatchet and come to an amicable resolution of the case.

During the hearing, Gadkari told the court that he was ready to resolve the issue if Kejriwal withdrew his statement. However, Kejriwal refused to do so.

Kejriwal had earlier been sent to jail after he refused to furnish a personal bail bond in the case. He, however, relented on the advice of the Delhi High Court and was released.