NEW DELHI: A trial court on Friday admitted a defamation complaint filed against chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly using the term "thulla" for policemen.

The court has fixed September 10 for recording of pre-summoning evidence against Kejriwal in the complaint filed by a Delhi Police constable, Harvinder, posted at Govindpuri police station.

Metropolitan magistrate Anu Aggarwal summoned Harvinder, the SHO of Govindpuri police station and a head constable for recording of statements. "I have gone through the authorities cited by the complainant’s counsel. In the interest of justice, I deem it fit to grant opportunity to the complainant to substantiate the averments made in the complaint by leading appropriate evidence," the magistrate said.

On July 24, the court had sought a clarification from the constable on how Kejriwal's alleged 'thulla' remark during a recent interview provoked breach of peace. Harvinder's counsel had argued before the court that the entire Delhi Police force felt demoralized.

"...Using a derogatory and demeaning term like 'thulla' to refer to police personnel is equivalent to referring to all Delhi Police officials as lethargic and unproductive. This word has, therefore, harmed the reputation of the complainant in the eyes of the public, including his family and friends," the complaint stated. The constable further claimed the remark, coming from a person of the CM's stature, was intended to provoke breach of peace." Harvinder's counsel had alleged that Kejriwal had caused unnecessary resentment among policemen.

The constable had on July 22 filed a complaint and sought that the CM be summoned under section 500 (defamation) and 504 (insult intended to provoke breach of peace) of IPC.

Another defamation case was lodged against the chief minister on July 23 by a constable posted at Lajpat Nagar police station.

