Interim relief for Kumar Vishwas to continue: HC

Chandigarh, July 4

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today directed the continuation of interim order staying further proceedings, including arrest, of former AAP leader and poet Kumar Vishwas. The direction by Justice Anoop Chitkara of the High Court came after a senior counsel appearing for the state sought further time to get instructions in the matter.

“May do so before the next date of hearing,” Justice Chitkara added, while fixing the case for further hearing on August 22.

Vishwas had moved the court for quashing the FIR registered on April 12 against him. Senior advocates RS Rai and Chetan Mittal on his behalf had contended the petitioner was accused of giving provocative statements against AAP’s convener Arvind Kejriwal in interviews from February 16 to 19 alleging his involvement “with certain nefarious and anti-social elements”.

It was further alleged the statements subjected AAP leaders and workers to violence. On April 12, 10-12 unknown persons restrained, waylaid, tried to assault and manhandled the complainant and others by pushing them into a corner.

Justice Chitkara, on the previous date, had asserted: “The penal provisions under which the petitioner stands arraigned are not prima facie made out against him.”