AAP withdraws circular on filing defamation against media

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has withdrawn its controversial circular on filing defamation cases against media organisations for reporting news, causing damage to its reputation or that of CM Arvind Kejriwal and other ministers.

The move comes nearly two months after Supreme Court stayed the circular issued by the Kejriwal-led government. On May 6, the Kejriwal government had issued a circular, asking all its officials to lodge a complaint with the Principal Secretary (Home), if they come across any news item, causing damage to the reputation of the CM or the government. 

The Opposition had cornered the AAP government for issuing such circular and accused it of “gagging” the voice of media.