Delhi Court frames charges against Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia for 2014 Rail Bhawan protest

The Court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate at New Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court Complex today framed charges against the Chief Minister of Delhi and Aam Aadmi Party leader, Arvind Kejriwal in connection with a dharna/protest at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi in January 2014..Apart from Kejriwal, charges have also been framed against Deputy CM, Manish Sisodia and other AAP leaders Rakhi Birla and Somnath Bharti..The order was pronounced by Judge Samar Vishal..“there is sufficient evidence to come to a conclusion that there exists a prima facie case and grave suspicion about the commission of the aforesaid discussed offences..it is ordered that charges be framed against accused Sh. Arvind Kejriwal, Sh. Manish Sisodia, Ms. Rakhi Birla, Sh. Somnath Bharti for commission of offence under section 143/145/188 IPC and under section 147/186/353/332 IPC read with section 149 IPC.”, the order reads..The Court has however discharged Ashutosh and Sanjay Singh from the case for lack of evidence on record against them regarding their participation in the offences..The protest was organized to demand action against police officials who had refused to raid an alleged drug and prostitution racket in South Delhi..The FIR in the case was registered against Kejriwal and others for knowingly flouting the prohibitory order issued under Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure and forming an unlawful assembly which created hindrances and obstructions to the duties of the police..As per the FIR, Kejriwal’s Office was duly informed about the promulgation banning any protest, dharna, speech and assembly of more than five persons in areas near the North Block. A request was also made to him to protest at Jantar Mantar instead..Nonetheless, the protest was organized near Rail Bhawan which ultimately resulted in a physical altercation between the police and the protesters..Subsequently, a chargesheet was filed by the Kejriwal and others for the commission of offences under Sections 145/147/186/353/188/332 read with Section 149 of the Indian Penal Code..[Read order]