Sheila's statement in Re 1 defamation case

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Wednesday recorded her statement in a Delhi court for a criminal defamation case filed by her against BJP leader Vijender Gupta for allegedly using 'uncivilised' language before recent MCD polls.

The chief minister had filed the suit against Gupta for putting up hoardings across the city, accusing her government of conniving with private discoms and indulging in corruption in determining new power tariff.

Dikshit had filed the complaint against Gupta a few days before 15 April MCD elections.

Dikshit recorded her statement before Metropolitan Magistrate Saumya Chauhan who, if satisfied that there was sufficient material, may summon the BJP leader.

The chief minister testified that she had sent legal notices to Gupta after the civic polls, but the BJP leader did not apologise.

Dikshit has also filed a civil defamation suit against Gupta in the Delhi high court, which asked them to settle it among themselves. Gupta, however, had contended in the high court that 'fair' criticism was part and parcel of a healthy democracy.

BJP's Delhi unit president Vijender Gupta had earlier filed an application seeking dismissal of the case. Dikshit had demanded a token Re 1 as damages in her suit.