Delhi court summons Ramesh on May 9 in Doval defamation case

New Delhi: A Delhi court granted exemption to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh from personal appearance on Thursday but directed him to be present before it on May 9 in a defamation case filed against him by Vivek Doval, son NSA Ajit Doval.

"Accused no 1 Jairam Ramesh has filed exemption application through his counsel Omar Hoda. Considering the grounds mentioned in the application, the same is allowed only for today," the court said.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal also granted bail to The Caravan's editor-in-chief and its reporter, who appeared before the court after they were summoned as accused in the case.

"Since the offence of defamation under section 500 IPC is bailable in nature, both the accused are admitted on bail on furnishing personal bond and surety bond in the sum of Rs 20,000 each. Bail bonds furnished and accepted," the court said.

During the hearing, lawyers appearing for the accused told the court that they have received copy of complaint and documents but copy of evidence recorded during the enquiry was unserved.

The court then asked the lawyer appearing for Doval

and undertook to supply the copies of all the evidence

under due acknowledgment to the defence counsels today itself.

"Put up for bail proceedings of accused No 1 Jairam Ramesh and for framing of notice under section 251 CrPC on May 9, 2019. All the accused shall remain present personally for the purpose of framing of notice on the next date of hearing," the court said.