In a significant legal move, Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister, Parvesh Sahib Singh, has taken action against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member Saurabh Bharadwaj by filing both civil and criminal defamation suits. This development comes in the wake of controversial social media posts made by Bharadwaj, which Singh alleges falsely accuse him of abusing his position to shield officials connected to a distressing incident involving the sexual assault of a three-year-old girl.

Bharadwaj’s posts, reportedly made on the social media platform X on May 16, have been described by Singh as “malicious, false, and riddled with lies.” According to Singh, these allegations were intended to tarnish his reputation and undermine his standing in public life. In an age where social media can rapidly amplify rumors and misinformation, Singh’s decision to pursue legal recourse highlights the serious nature of the claims being circulated.

The civil defamation case has been filed in the Delhi High Court, where Singh is seeking damages amounting to a staggering Rs 5 crore. The case, which was brought before Joint Registrar (Judicial) Gagandeep Jindal, has already seen summons issued to Bharadwaj. The next hearing is slated for September 7, with the court instructing Bharadwaj to provide a written response to the allegations within 30 days of receiving the summons.

In tandem with the civil suit, Singh has also initiated a criminal defamation case. This matter was addressed by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Paras Dalal on May 22. The court proceedings will further delve into the allegations against Singh, with the examination of Singh set for June 9 and witness depositions scheduled for June 11. The dual approach of civil and criminal proceedings indicates Singh’s determination to clear his name and hold Bharadwaj accountable for what he perceives as baseless accusations.

This incident not only casts a spotlight on the growing tensions between political entities in Delhi but also raises questions regarding the responsibilities of public figures in communicating information. In a political landscape that often sees fierce rivalries, the manner in which allegations are made and responded to can have profound implications for both personal reputations and broader public trust. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how both parties navigate this contentious issue in the courts and the public eye.