As much as Rs5,000 was imposed by a city court on Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for her non-appearance in a defamation case hearing lodged by her against BJP leader Vijender Gupta.
The court also directed her to be present before it on January 27. “…The direction that was earlier issued by this court was for the complainant’s (Dikshit) appearance for her examination and cross-examination in the case lodged by her. As she did not appear, a cost of Rs5,000 is imposed on the complainant. Now, list the matter for further hearing on January 27, 2014. The complainant is directed to appear without failing for her examination and cross-examination...,” said Namrita Aggarwal, Metropolitan.
The court, however, allowed Dikshit’s application for exemption from personal appearance for Monday, but directed her to remain present before it on January 27, 2014, the next date of hearing, without giving any excuse.
During the hearing, Dikshit’s counsel sought exemption for his client, saying she could not appear as she is busy in election meetings for finalising the list of candidates for the upcoming polls. The counsel for accused, however, argued that ground sought by the CM is ridiculous.