Delhi court asks Kejriwal, two other AAP leaders to appear on June 4

Delhi Metropolitan Magistrate Muneesh Garg has summoned former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and two others AAP leaders-Manish Sisodia and Yogendra Yadav-in connection with a criminal defamation complaint filed against them by an advocate.

All three have been asked to appear before the court on June 4.

"Accused persons namely Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Yogender Yadav are summoned for offence punishable under Sections 499/500/34 (defamation and common intention) of the Indian Penal Code.

"Be listed on June 4, 2014 for appearance of accused persons," the court said on the complaint of advocate Surender Kumar Sharma

"In the totality of facts and circumstances, considering the deposition of complainant and other evidence on record, I find prima facie material to summon the accused persons for offence under Sections 499/500/34 IPC.

"The press release published in newspapers as well as testimonies of witnesses reflect that defamatory remarks were published in the newspaper which affected the reputation of complainant in the society and lowered his reputation in the eyes of other members of the society," the magistrate said.

The advocate had alleged that in 2013 he was approached by volunteers of AAP to contest the general election on the party ticket, as Kejriwal was pleased with his social services.

He filled up the application form and started his political campaign and incurred expenses of about five lakhs.