NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Thursday expressed its dissatisfaction with a petitioner who filed a “public interest litigation” regarding the circulation of an FIR related to
Aam Aadmi Party
‘s Swati Maliwal’s alleged assault case on social media, TV channels, and newspapers.
The plea asked social media platforms and media organizations to refrain from disclosing the victim’s name, address, or other identities in sensitive cases like rape, molestation, or POCSO.
Additionally, it sought directions for public and media entities to exercise care when handling such sensitive information involving victims of rape, molestation, and POCSO cases.
Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, after preliminary hearings, termed the plea as “publicity interstate litigation” and chose not to entertain it.
The court questioned the petitioner, noting that since the victim was publicly discussing the issue, it was unnecessary for someone else to file a
PIL
on her behalf.
The court expressed displeasure with the lawyer for submitting what they considered a frivolous plea and warned of potential complaints to the bar council.
Faced with the court’s adverse remarks, petitioner Sanser Pal Singh decided to withdraw the petition.
Recently, Aam Aadmi Party MP Swati Maliwal, who lodged an assault complaint against Arvind Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar, claimed she was warned that the party would portray her as a BJP agent if she pursued a police complaint.
(With inputs from agencies)
