Citing “conflict of interest”, Counsel representing Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday informed a Delhi court that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti “cannot represent his wife” in a defamation case.
The submissions were made in the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Paras Dalal, during the hearing of a criminal defamation case filed by Lipika Mitra, wife of Mr. Bharti, against the Union Minister.
The Union Minister’s counsel stated that Mr. Bharti cannot appear in his case while demanding that he withdraw the authorisation document appointing a lawyer to represent the matter. The counsel also said, failing to do so, should prompt a reference to the Bar Council of India for disciplinary proceedings against the AAP leader.
The court posted the hearing on July 16 after Mr. Bharti sought time to argue on the application.
Ms. Mitra, in her complaint, alleged that the Union Minister attempted to tarnish Mr. Bharti’s image with her “defamatory” remarks during a campaign ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Ms. Sitharaman’s remarks were intended to tarnish the image of Mr. Bharti and impact his chances of winning from New Delhi Parliamentary Constituency as INDIA alliance candidate, she said in the complaint, adding that it has caused the immense mental anguish to Mr. Bharti and damaged his public reputation as an elected representative.
The case has been filed under Section 356 (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Published – June 27, 2025 01:24 am IST
