Court to record pre-summoning evidence in plea against Kejriwal

A Delhi court on Tuesday fixed April 9, for recording of pre-summoning evidence in a criminal complaint seeking action against Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly exhorting voters to take bribes from Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress party and vote for his party.

"I am fixing it for April 9, for recording of the pre-summoning evidence," Metropolitan Magistrate Richa Gusain Solanki said.

During the hearing, advocate Arun Kumar who is also the complainant in the matter, argued that Kejriwal has instigated the public to take bribe from political parties.

"Kejriwal has asked voters to take money from Congress and BJP but to vote for his party," the advocate appearing in person said.

He also said the Election Commission had issued notice to the former Delhi chief minister and later directed him not to make such remarks, warning him of strict action in the event of any violation.

In his complaint, Kumar has alleged that Kejriwal, despite himself being a former Delhi chief minister and knowing that acceptance of bribe is punishable under law, instigated the voters to do such a thing.

The complaint sought Kejriwal's prosecution for alleged offences of abetment, offering or accepting bribe and punishment for bribery under the Indian Penal Code.

Meanwhile, the court has also sought a status report from the Delhi police by February 21, on a similar complaint filed by another advocate Ikrant Sharma against Kejriwal.