Court shuts defamation case against Somnath Bharti after apology

Gallery

MORE...

Sports

India Open Competition in Shotgun begins in Jaipur, paving way for Nationals' qualification

India Open Competition in Shotgun, organised by the National Rifle Association of India (N

Hockey India names Amir Ali-led 20-man team for Junior Asia Cup

Harmanpreet Singh named FIH Player of the Year, PR Sreejesh gets best goalkeeper award

World Boxing medallist Gaurav Bidhuri to flag off 'Delhi Against Drugs' movement on Nov 17

U23 World Wrestling Championship: Chirag Chikkara wins gold as India end campaign with nine medals

FIFA president Infantino confirms at least 9 African teams for the 2026 World Cup

MORE...

Court shuts defamation case against Somnath Bharti after apology

Last Updated : 20 Mar 2021 07:06:16 PM IST

Somnath Bharti

A Delhi court on Saturday closed a defamation case filed by a journalist against Aam Aadmi Party MLA Somnath Bharti for allegedly using objectionable language, after Somnath Bharti tendered an apology.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sachin Gupta closed the case after journalist Ranjana Dwivedi decided to compound the case in view of the apology.

Somnath Bharti had allegedly used objectionable language against Dwivedi and hurled abuses at him during a live television debate in 2018.

In his statement before the court, Bharti submitted that his words "were not directed towards the complainant, but if his words have hurt sentiments, he offers his sincere and deepest apology".

In view of the apology, Dwivedi agreed to compound the case against Somnath Bharti and withdrew her FIR filed under Sections 504 (intentional insult) and 509 (insult the modesty of any woman) under the Indian Penal Code.

In the present case, a notice for offence punishable under Section 500 (punishment for defamation) of the IPC was framed against the accused, which is compoundable in nature. Compoundable offences are those that can be compromised.

On January 23, the court had sentenced Bharti to two years' imprisonment in another case related to assault of AIIMS security guards. The Magistrate court's order on conviction and sentencing was later suspended by the Sessions court.