Delhi Court Closes Defamation Case Filed By Journalist Against AAP Leader Somnath Bharti After His Apology

A defamation case filed against Aam Aadmi Party Leader, Somnath Bharti was closed on Saturday by a Delhi Court after the same was compounded by journalist Ranjana Ankit Dwivedi. The development came after Bharti tendered an apology to the journalist in the Court. The case was accordingly disposed of as compounded.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sachin Gupta of the Rouse Avenue Court therefore ordered:

"In the present case, notice for offence punishable under sec. 500 IPC was framed against the accused, which is compoundable in nature. In view of the aforesaid submissions made and statements of the parties, particularly statement of the complainant regarding compounding of the present complaint case against the accused, the present complaint case stands disposed of as compounded. "

 The facts of the case date back to the year 2018 wherein Somnath Bharti had allegedly made certain statements using objectionable language against the journalist during a live television debate show. However, it was submitted on behalf of Bharti in the Court that such statements were not directed towards Ranjana Dwivedi thereby offering his sincere and deepest apology to her.

An FIR was registered in Mahila Thana Police Station, Gautam Buddh Nagar UP under sec. 504 and 509 of the Indian Penal Code.

It was also submitted by the counsel appearing on behalf of Bharti that he shall withdraw the writ petition filed under sec. 482 of CrPC before the Delhi High Court pertaining to the case.

On the other hand, it was submitted on behalf of the complainant journalist that in view of the statement given by the accused in the Court, she has compounded the case.

Advocate Yogesh Swaroop appeared on behalf of complainant Ranjana Dwivedi whereas Advocate Md. Irshad appeared for accused Somnath Bharti.