Delhi High Court Dismisses Swati Maliwal’s Plea Challenging Corruption Charges
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a plea by Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal, who challenged the framing of charges against her under anti-corruption laws. The charges stem from allegations of abusing her official position as the chief of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) by appointing individuals linked to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to various positions within the commission.
Justice Amit Mahajan rejected Maliwal’s request to quash the order, with a detailed ruling pending. The trial court had previously ordered the framing of charges on December 8, 2022, under multiple provisions, including the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, specifically Section 13(1)(d), which addresses criminal misconduct by public servants.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau initiated the case based on a complaint from former DCW chairperson and BJP MLA Barkha Shukla Singh. Allegations indicate that Maliwal and others conspired to misuse their positions for personal gain, facilitating the appointment of AAP associates without adhering to proper recruitment processes.
Prosecutors claim that between August 6, 2015, and August 1, 2016, approximately 90 appointments were made in the DCW, with 71 on a contractual basis and 16 for the ‘Dial 181’ distress helpline. These appointments allegedly violated General Finance Rules (GFR) and other regulations, as they were made without public advertisement or due process.
The court had previously stayed the trial court’s proceedings against Maliwal, but Friday’s ruling has allowed the case to proceed.
