Moga: Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal was represented by her legal team before a local court in Moga on Wednesday in connection with a criminal defamation case filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Dr Amandeep Arora.
The appearance came in response to a pre-cognisance notice issued by the court last month. During the hearing, Judicial Magistrate First Class Ashima Sharma recorded the appearance of Maliwal’s counsel and adjourned the matter for further proceedings.
While complainant Dr Amandeep Arora was present in court, Maliwal exercised her legal option to appear through authorised representatives. Advocates Kulwinder Sharma and HS Oberoi appeared on her behalf and formally submitted the necessary legal documents before the court.
The case stems from a criminal defamation complaint filed by the AAP legislator. Earlier, the court had issued a pre-cognisance notice under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), providing Maliwal an opportunity to present her side before any further judicial action is considered.
The court had permitted her to appear either personally or through legal counsel, and her lawyers complied with the notice during Tuesday’s proceedings.
After recording the submissions, the court deferred the matter and fixed the next date of hearing for July 10.
The case remains at a preliminary stage, with the court yet to decide on the next course of action after considering the submissions made by both sides.
