New Delhi, August 19(HS): Proceedings in the alleged irregularities in appointments at the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) saw fresh developments today as two prosecution witnesses recorded their statements before the Rouse Avenue Court. Former DCW Chairperson and Aam Aadmi Party MP Swati Maliwal, who is among the accused, did not appear in person. The next hearing has now been scheduled for August 21.

During today’s hearing, Maliwal’s counsel Shivam Malhotra sought exemption from her personal appearance, which was accepted by the court. The statements of Rajkumar Tomar and retired Inspector Bhoop Singh were recorded, while the court directed that testimonies of ASI Rup Singh and Constable Ravi Sharma be taken up during the next date of hearing.

So far, six prosecution witnesses have testified in the matter, including officials from the Delhi government. Statements of Manoj Kumar and Usha Ganguli were recorded on July 30, while on April 28, Deputy Director of the Department of Women and Child Development, Humra Khalid, was examined. Earlier, Finance Department official Manoj Kumar’s deposition was recorded on March 19.

In December 2022, the court had framed charges against Maliwal and three others — commission members Promila Gupta, Sarika Chaudhary, and Farheen Malik — under Section 120-B of the IPC (criminal conspiracy) and Sections 13(1)(d) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Maliwal had challenged the order before the Delhi High Court, but her plea was dismissed.

The case traces back to 2016, when former MLA Barkha Singh lodged a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), alleging that appointments in the DCW were made in gross violation of rules, largely benefiting individuals linked to the AAP. The complaint specifically cited three such recruits, while also naming a list of 85 individuals allegedly connected to AAP who were appointed to the Commission. Following its preliminary probe, the ACB filed an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

With the court moving steadily through witness depositions, the high-profile case remains under sharp scrutiny, as the next round of testimonies could prove crucial in shaping its trajectory.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar