New Delhi: Amid the bitter face-off between the Centre and the AAP government on the DDCA row, speculation is rife in AAP circles that top criminal lawyer Ram Jethmalani could be given the responsibility of heading the DDCA probe panel set up by the Delhi government to probe irregularities in the state cricket body. Mr Jethmalani is representing Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in the civil and criminal defamation cases filed against him by Mr Jaitley in the DDCA row. At this point, while no final decision has been taken, the corridors of the Delhi government are agog with such speculation and rumours.
The Delhi CM had met Mr Jethmalani three days ago at his residence when the top lawyer had confirmed he will be representing Mr Kejriwal against Mr Jaitley in court in the Rs 10-crore defamation suit filed by the finance minister. Sources said Mr Jethmalani told Mr Kejriwal that he will charge only one rupee as his legal fees.
Even before the DDCA row had erupted, Mr Kejriwal and Mr Jethmalani had exchanged compliments at an IAS officers’ function. Sources said Mr Kejriwal had warmly praised the top lawyer and had sought his guidance on ways to improve the city admiration. Mr Jethmalani had returned the compliment, praising the Delhi CM.
Mr Jaitley has filed both civil and criminal defamation suits against Mr Kejriwal and five other AAP leaders for allegedly defaming him and has sought Rs 10 crore damages and their prosecution for offences that entails punishment of up to two years in jail.
Without mincing words against Mr Jaitley, Mr Jethmalani had earlier said the fiannce minister will be prosecuted by him. “Mr L.K. Advani had Ram Jethamalani (as lawyer).
Now Arun Jaitley is to be prosecuted by me. You take it,” he said. “I don’t make a secret of the fact that I don’t like Arun Jaitley,” he had added. Mr Jethmalani had also supported the AAP government’s decision to appoint a commission of inquiry into DDCA affairs, saying: “I believe that sports and operations of the cricket body are completely within the jurisdiction of the Delhi government.”
Download the all new Deccan Chronicle app for Android and iOS to stay up-to-date with latest headlines and news stories in politics, entertainment, sports, technology, business and much more from India and around the world.
