Jaitley v. Kejriwal: AAP leader wants video recording of cross-examination

AAP leader Raghav Chaddha has filed an application in the Delhi High Court asking for video recording or live transcription of the cross examination of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the ongoing defamation case.

Chaddha is one of the five defendants in Jaitley’s defamation case along with the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for making allegations of corruption in the DDCA during Jaitley’s tenure as President.

The application filed through Advocates Avi Singh and Jaskaran Sibia states that,

“The proceedings before the Joint Registrar are not being recorded accurately…. The objections are not being recorded in their entirety. The length of the time taken in putting a question on record, after objections and the answers, prejudices the defendants who have an equal interest in a fair trial.”

It is stated in the application that Jaitley, during the cross examination, has not answered the questions and has given long evasive replies which are entirely unnecessary.

It is further stated that the questions are interrupted with lengthy objections both by the Joint Registrar and Jaitley’s counsel resulting in a discussion of facts thus proffering answers to the witness.

It is submitted that,

“The videography of the proceedings will be in keeping with the principle of open access to justice and will ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.”

The next session of the cross examination is scheduled for tomorrow.