Is 'thulla' breach of peace: Court

A Delhi court on Friday sought to know from a police constable, who has filed a criminal defamation case against Arvind Kejriwal, as to how the Chief Minister’s ‘thulla’ remark given during a recent interview has provoked breach of peace. “Was the alleged remark personal or general in natureIJ Was the alleged insult intended to provoke breach of peaceIJ You file clarification. Put up for further hearing on July 31,” Metropolitan Magistrate Anu Aggarwal said.

Advocate lN Rao, who appeared for complainant constable Harvinder, argued before the court that due to Kejriwal’s ‘thulla’ remark, the entire Delhi Police was demoralised.“The ‘thulla’ remark given by a person of the stature of chief minister has demoralised Delhi Police and it was intended to provoking breach of peace,” he claimed.

Rao further alleged that Kejriwal has intentionally insulted the entire police force and caused unnecessary provocation and resentment among cops here.

The constable, who is posted at Govindpuri police station here, had on July 22 filed a complaint in which he had claimed that he was insulted by Kejriwal’s remark.

“...Using a derogatory and demeaning term like ‘thulla’ to refer to police personnel is equivalent to referring to all Delhi Police officials as lethargic and unproductive. This word has, therefore, harmed the reputation of the complainant in the eyes of general public, including his family, relative and friends,” his plea said.