Delhi Minister Atishi Granted Bail in Defamation Case Filed by BJP Leader

Delhi Minister Atishi was granted bail in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Praveen Shankar Kapoor. Atishi appeared in court, signed the bail bond without a thumb impression, and is due for further proceedings on August 8. The case revolves around Atishi's claim that BJP tried to coerce her into joining them.

Delhi Minister Atishi was granted bail on Tuesday by the Rouse Avenue Court in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Praveen Shankar Kapoor. Atishi appeared in court physically, presenting a bail bond of Rs 20,000 and a matching surety bond, both signed instead of thumb-impressed. Metropolitan Magistrate Tanya Bamniyal permitted the bail.

Senior advocate Ramesh Gupta, representing Atishi, argued that no thumb impression was necessary, a point contested by the complainant's counsel. The court has scheduled the scrutiny of documents and arguments on framing charges for August 8. Atishi was summoned on May 28 and had appeared virtually previously, though the court refused to summon Arvind Kejriwal, also named in the complaint.

Kapoor's legal notice accused Atishi of making false and malicious claims during a press conference on April 2, alleging that the BJP had approached her to join their party or face arrest by the Directorate of Enforcement. Atishi rebutted during the conference, stating that the BJP was using probe agencies to threaten her and other AAP leaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)