“Be Sure or Face Consequences for False Affidavit!” – Delhi HC slams Somnath Bharti over unverified claims against BJP’s Satish Upadhyay

New Delhi: AAP leader Somnath Bharti has moved the Delhi High Court, challenging the election of BJP’s Satish Upadhyay from the Malviya Nagar constituency.

Bharti has accused Upadhyay of engaging in corrupt practices and failing to disclose pending criminal cases in his election affidavit.

When the case was presented before Justice Jasmeet Singh, senior advocate Rajiv Nayyar, representing Upadhyay, raised objections, questioning the existence of the alleged criminal case. “It is very easy to claim that an FIR exists, but where is the FIR?” Nayyar asked.

Delhi High Court Warns Somnath Bharti Over False Affidavit in Election Challenge

In response, the court directed Bharti to provide documentary proof supporting his claims. Justice Singh emphasized that if Bharti could not substantiate the existence of a pending case, he would be making a false statement on affidavit. The court further cautioned that legal proceedings could not be turned into a “fishing inquiry,” highlighting that Upadhyay had been duly elected and that Bharti’s claims needed a solid foundation.

“You are saying that there is a complaint pending. If you say you are unsure, then please be sure. That is why I am giving you time. In case this is not pending, then you are making false statement on affidavit,” the court told Bharti.

Upadhyay secured victory with 39,564 votes, surpassing Bharti’s 37,433 votes.

The matter has been adjourned to April 8 for further proceedings.