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| Gadkari fined Rs 10,000 for delayed affidavit | | | Agencies
NEW DELHI, Dec 21: Failure to file an affidavit on time resulted in a Delhi court slapping a fine of Rs 10,000 on Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, in a criminal defamation case filed by him against former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Metropolitan Magistrate (MM) Gomati Manocha observed that Gadkari had not complied with the court's order regarding filing of an affidavit which was to be furnished to Kejriwal's lawyer three days before Saturday's hearing.
"In these circumstances, one last and final opportunity is being given to lead complainant evidence subject to cost of Rs 10,000," the magistrate said and fixed the matter for March 21, 2015.
During the hearing, additional solicitor general Pinki Anand, appearing for Gadkari told the court that they have supplied an advanced copy of the affidavit to advocate Prashant Bhushan, who has been appearing for Kejriwal on December 18.
But, advocate Rishikesh, who appeared for Kejriwal, told the court that he has been supplied the copy of the affidavit only on Saturday and not three days in advance as directed by the court.
When the ASG maintained that affidavit was filed earlier the court decided to act. "The file was not taken up. How was this affidavit filed without even knowledge of this court? If you were filing an affidavit then it has to come on the record of the court. Ahlmad (court master) is denying that affidavit has been filed before him," the magistrate said and slapped the cost on Gadkari.
"You cannot take the court for a ride. I am saying that compliance has not been done. Do not create a ruckus in the court. The order has been passed and you can challenge it," the magistrate told Gadkari's legal team and listed the case further for his cross-examination.
On the insistence of Gadkari's counsel the court recorded in the order sheet that the affidavit was received at Bhushan's office on December 18 itself, as per the claim of the union minister.
The court had earlier framed defamation charges against Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal in the case. Gadkari has accused Kejriwal of defaming him by including his name in the AAP's list of "India's most corrupt". The court had earlier also suggested both the leaders bury the hatchet and come to an amicable resolution of the case.
Gadkari has maintained he is ready to resolve the issue if Kejriwal withdrew his statement but the latter has refused to do so.
The AAP leader had earlier been sent to jail after he refused to furnish a personal bail bond in the case.
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