In a significant development, a Moga court has issued a notice to Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal, requiring her to appear in person or through her counsel on June 10. The court has provided the parliamentarian an opportunity to be heard under the proviso of Section 223(1) of the BNSS in a defamation case filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amandeep Kaur Arora.
Background of the Case
On May 19, AAP MLA from Moga, Amandeep Kaur Arora, appeared before the court of Judicial Magistrate First Class at Moga regarding a criminal defamation complaint filed against Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal on May 13. The MLA, through her counsel, prayed for issuing a pre-summoning notice to Swati Maliwal in the complaint filed over a social media post made by the Rajya Sabha member, allegedly describing the AAP MLAs in Punjab as "bhed, bakrian" (sheep and goats).
Court Proceedings
After hearing Amandeep Kaur's counsel, Ajay Pal Singh Bhullar, the court adjourned the matter for consideration. The court's decision to issue a notice to Swati Maliwal marks a step forward in the legal proceedings.
Political Context
Swati Maliwal, who recently switched allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been a vocal critic of her earlier party – the AAP, its convener Arvind Kejriwal, and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Her remarks have sparked controversy, leading to the defamation complaint.
Statement from the Complainant
MLA Amandeep Arora stated, "Swati Maliwal referred to AAP MLAs in Punjab as ‘sheep and goats'. I filed a criminal defamation complaint against her on May 13 and appeared in the court on May 19, with a prayer for action against Swati Maliwal." The case has drawn attention due to the political implications and the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.
The next hearing is scheduled for June 10, where Swati Maliwal is expected to respond to the notice. The outcome of this case could have broader ramifications for political discourse and accountability in the region.
