New Delhi, 27 Sep: Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena tweeted “Satyameva Jayate” (truth alone triumphs), soon after the high court on Tuesday restrained AAP leaders from levelling “false” allegations against him.
The Delhi High Court also directed the Aam Aadmi Party leaders to remove their alleged libelous posts, videos and tweets against Saxena on social media.
The AAP, in a statement, said it respected the judiciary but “under no circumstances” it can be deterred from raising matters of corruption against any “powerful” individual.
The AAP leaders alleged that Saxena had received and channelised demonetised currency in November 2016 while acting as chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). The party had alleged that Saxena was involved in a Rs 1,400 crore scam.
LG office sources said, “The order has vindicated LG’s stance and called out AAP’s mud-slinging campaign.” Saxena had sent legal notices to AAP leaders Sanjay Singh, Atishi, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Durgesh Pathak and Delhi Dialogue and Development Commission vice-chairperson Jasmine Shah.
The LG also sought damages and compensation of Rs 2.5 crore along with interest from the AAP and its five leaders.
Saxena came under fierce attack by the AAP over his frequent run-ins with the Arvind Kejriwal government over a host of issues, including his decision to recommend a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the implementation of Excise Policy 2021-22.
According to the high court, the AAP’s allegations against LG and his daughter are “unsubstantiated and reckless”, claimed LG office sources.
The AAP leaders had also alleged that a contract for interior designing at the KVIC office in Mumbai was given to Saxena’s daughter when he was chairman of the commission.
The AAP, reacting to the high court order, said it strongly believed that elected representatives and political parties have a duty to bring up matters of public importance before the citizens.
“As a public figure in high office, we expect LG to also demand independent and fair investigation. If (he) has not done anything wrong, why is he running away from any investigation?” read the AAP statement.
The party also said that the Central government should set up an independent inquiry into matters related to corruption charges against anyone irrespective of their political affiliation. (PTI)