Delhi HC Seeks Reply From Parvesh Verma, Police in Tilak Nagar Slap Case

The Delhi High Court on Thursday sought responses from the Delhi Police and Deputy Chief Minister Parvesh Verma on a petition seeking an independent probe into an incident in which the BJP leader allegedly slapped an AAP worker during a road inspection in the national capital.

Justice Sachin Datta issued notices to the police and Verma on the petition filed by Sahib Singh, who has sought an independent investigation into the September 27 incident in Tilak Nagar. The petitioner has also sought police protection for himself and his family members, citing concerns arising from the incident.

The court asked the respondents to file their replies along with a status report. The respondents also raised an objection regarding the maintainability of the petition.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 17.

According to the petition, Singh was allegedly slapped by Verma during a road inspection in Tilak Nagar on September 27. Singh claims to be an associate of Tilak Nagar AAP MLA Jarnail Singh and said he handles the legislator's social media accounts.

The incident had drawn political attention, with the allegations involving a sitting minister and an opposition party worker. The court proceedings on Thursday, however, were focused on the petition seeking an independent probe and protection for the petitioner and his family.

The High Court's notice to the police and Verma does not amount to a finding on the allegations. The respondents will now have an opportunity to place their version before the court and respond to the petitioner's claims.

The court is expected to consider the responses and the status report when the matter comes up for hearing on November 17.

The September 27 incident occurred during a road inspection in Tilak Nagar, where Verma, who holds the Public Works Department portfolio, was allegedly involved in the altercation with Singh.