The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a plea filed by Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, challenging the charges framed against her under the anti-corruption law.
These charges stem from allegations that she misused her position as the Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) to appoint individuals associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to various positions within the commission.
Justice Amit Mahajan rejected Maliwal’s request to quash the earlier order framing charges against her. The detailed order is yet to be released.
In December 2022, a trial court directed that charges be framed against Maliwal and three co-accused under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, specifically Section 13(1)(d) related to criminal misconduct by a public servant.
The case originated from a complaint filed by former DCW Chairperson and BJP MLA Barkha Shukla Singh, and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) later registered the case. According to the prosecution, Maliwal and the others conspired to exploit their official roles to financially benefit AAP workers by appointing them to various positions within the DCW without adhering to proper procedures.
The prosecution alleges that the appointments violated established rules, regulations, and the General Finance Rules (GFR), as the posts were filled without advertisements. It is claimed that salaries and remuneration were paid to these individuals inappropriately.
The prosecution further stated that 90 appointments were made at the DCW between August 2015 and August 2016, of which 71 were contractual, and 16 were for the ‘Dial 181’ distress helpline. Records for three appointees were reportedly missing.
