Goa HC quashes summons to Kejriwal in alleged poll code violation case

Alto- Betim Porvorim: The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court has nullified the summons issued to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal by a magistrate in connection with an alleged violation of the model code of conduct.

The summons stemmed from a complaint filed against Kejriwal during the 2017 Goa assembly election.

Speaking to PTI, Amit Palekar, the Goa unit chief of the AAP, confirmed the development and stated, "The high court quashed the summons issued to the Delhi chief minister on a complaint filed against him during the 2017 Goa assembly election."

The judicial magistrate first class (JFMC) in Mapusa had summoned Kejriwal, referring to a chargesheet filed against him under the Representation of the People Act and section 171 (E) of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with bribery.

"Kejriwal had represented before the JMFC when the summons was issued to him in November last year, and time was sought as we wanted to appeal before the high court," explained Palekar, who is also a lawyer.

The next hearing on this matter is scheduled before the magistrate on February 12, providing an avenue for further legal proceedings.

AAP, actively participating in the Goa assembly elections in both 2017 and 2022, faced a setback in the former, failing to secure any seats. However, in the recent 2022 elections, the party managed to secure two seats.