New Delhi, Sep 22: In a jolt to Aam Aadmi Party MLA Somnath Bharti, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday rejected his anticipatory bail application in the case of domestic violence and attempt to murder filed by his wife, paving the way for his possible arrest by the police.
Justice Suresh Kait, refusing to grant anticipatory bail, said Mr. Bharti, elected as an MLA in Delhi, should have shown “more generosity and responsibility towards his wife and children”. The Court also said that the allegations about Mr. Bharti unleashing his dog on his wife, and the latter getting injured, were supported by documentary proof.
Soon after the rejection of his anticipatory bail plea, the Delhi Police dispatched teams to arrest the former Delhi Law Minister. He, however, remained out of police’s reach.
Dependra Pathak, Joint CP (South-Western Range), said Mr. Bharti’s arrest was imminent as only his custodial interrogation would help conduct the probe.
“The Delhi Police’s stand has been vindicated,” said the officer on the court dismissing the legislator’s bail plea.
Mr. Bharti’s wife, Lipika, had time and again compromised with him for the sake of their marriage and family. She even cooperated during his election, but despite this, their marital ties were not smooth, said the Court in its detailed order.
The Court observed that when Mr. Bharti had financial difficulties, he compromised with his wife every time. But after getting elected to the Delhi Assembly, he failed to win the sentiments and trust of his wife. Besides, his conduct of reaching the police station and compelling the officers to record his presence, after he was granted protection by the Court, could not be appreciated in any manner.
Referring to two other criminal cases registered against the AAP MLA, the Court said he was “not only violent and outrageous at home but also before the public at large”. He had misused the protection granted to him during the hearing of the case, stated the order.
Mr. Bharti had moved the High Court seeking protection from arrest after a trial court denied him anticipatory bail and another court issued a non-bailable warrant against him.
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