Complaint against Kumar Vishwas closed: DCW to HC

By NewsGram Staff Writer

The Delhi women's panel today closed the proceedings on a complaint against AAP leader Kumar Vishwas by a party volunteer alleging that her life was ruined as he was not denying "rumours" about their illicit relationship.

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chairperson Barkha Singh's counsel told Justice V P Vaish that "there are no proceedings pending in the case" before the body.

The Chairperson's response was in pursuance to the notice issued by the high court to her on May 22, as well as the DCW and the woman complainant.

Furthermore, the DCW held the present petition as "infructuous", because the probe against Vishwas was closed on June 23.

However, the court, while hearing a plea by Vishwas that sought a stay on the summons issued to him by DCW, directed the Chairperson's counsel to file a "detailed report within two weeks with regard to the oral submissions made by the advocate".

The court also issued fresh notice to the complainant after it was informed that notice was not served upon her as she was not residing at the given address.

"Delhi High Court Registry will serve the summons to the complainant by hand, at the new address provided", the court said while listing the matter for August 7.

The court could not dispose of the case as Somnath Bharti, counsel for the AAP leader, sought a direction to restrain DCW chief from holding a press conference on the issue

Bharti also opined that a stricture must be passed against the DCW and its Chairperson for misuse of office for political purposes.

Responding to Bharti's contention, the counsel for DCW Chairperson said that her right could be curtailed, though she said she would seek instruction on the issue.

Bharti, however, opposed the panel chief's request saying that Barkha Singh was retiring on July 18 and therefore her counsel was seeking time.