Arvind Kejriwal was on Friday summoned as an accused in a criminal defamation complaint filed against him by BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, with a court here observing that statements allegedly made by the former Delhi Chief Minister have the effect of “harming the reputation” of the complainant.

Metropolitan Magistrate Gomati Manocha summoned Mr. Kejriwal as an accused for April 7, saying, “Let the accused (Kejriwal) be summoned under section 499/500 (defamation) IPC on filing of PF (processing fee) through speed post and approved courier for April 7.”

“In view of the testimony of the witnesses, including the deposition of the complainant (Gadkari) and other evidence produced on record as discussed herein above, the impugned statements allegedly made by Kejriwal have the effect of harming the reputation of the complainant and lowering his estimation in the eyes of others,” the court said.

The summon was issued against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader on a complaint in which Mr. Gadkari had alleged that he was defamed by Mr. Kejriwal, who had included his name in the party’s list of “India’s most corrupt.”

The court, in its 4-page order, said there was “prima facie” sufficient material to proceed against the accused.

“In these circumstances, this court is prima facie satisfied that there is sufficient material on record to proceed against the accused for the offence under section 499/500 IPC.

“Needless to say, the accused shall have the liberty to put his defence in the form of exceptions under section 499 IPC at the time of trial,” the magistrate said.

The court also referred to a judgement passed recently by Delhi High Court, saying, “Also in view of the judgement of the High Court of Delhi... this court shall at the time of framing of notice, once again consider the material before it and shall hear the accused on whether an offence has been committed which can be legally tried,”