Complaint against Arvind Kejriwal: Court seeks clarification from cop

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court today sought to know from a police constable, who has filed a criminal defamation case against Arvind Kejriwal, as to how the Chief Minister's 'thulla' remark given during a recent interview has provoked breach of peace.

"Was the alleged remark personal or general in nature? Was the alleged insult intended to provoke breach of peace? You file clarification. Put up for further hearing on July 31," Metropolitan Magistrate Anu Aggarwal said.

Advocate L N Rao, who appeared for complainant constable Harvinder, argued before the court that due to Kejriwal's 'thulla' remark, the entire Delhi police was demoralized.

"The 'thulla' remark given by a person of the stature of chief minister has demoralised Delhi Police and it was intended to provoking breach of peace," he claimed.

Rao further alleged that Kejriwal has intentionally insulted the entire police force and caused unnecessary provocation and resentment among cops here.

The constable, who is posted at Govindpuri police station here, had on July 22 filed a complaint in which he had claimed that he was insulted by Kejriwal's remark.

"...Using a derogatory and demeaning term like 'thulla' to refer to police personnel is equivalent to referring to all Delhi Police officials as lethargic and unproductive. This word has, therefore, harmed the reputation of the complainant in the eyes of general public, including his family, relative and friends," his plea said.

"Being in a constitutional position as Chief Minister of Delhi, the capital of India, Arvind Kejriwal has immense influence and reach across the public space and his words impact the public view of Delhi Police," it had said.

The petitioner has requested the court to summon Kejriwal for the alleged offence under section 500 (defamation) and 504 (insult intended to provoke breach of peace) of IPC.

In his recent interview with a private TV news channel, Kejriwal had talked about the AAP government's "constraints" in ensuring effective functioning of Anti-Corruption Branch.

Police Commissioner B S Bassi had also hinted his displeasure over the use of word 'thulla' by Kejriwal.