Swati Maliwal, accused of irregularities in appointments at the Delhi Women Commission, found no relief in the Delhi High Court. Her petition was dismissed. Swati Maliwal challenged a lower court's order for framing charges in the Delhi High Court. Maliwal is accused of illegitimately appointing acquaintances and members of the Aam Aadmi Party to the commission during her tenure as chairperson between August 2015-16.
Justice Amit Mahajan refused to annul the order of framing charges against Maliwal. A detailed order is awaited. On December 8, 2022, the trial court ordered the framing of charges against Maliwal and three others under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, including Section 13(1)(D) (criminal misconduct by a public servant).
The case was registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau based on a complaint by the former DCW chairperson and BJP legislator Barkha Shukla Singh. Last year, the High Court stayed the trial court proceedings against Maliwal in the criminal case.
According to the prosecution, the accused conspired to misuse their official positions for economic benefits to AAP workers, who were appointed to various positions in the DCW without following due process.
The prosecution stated that appointments were made in violation of procedures, rules, and regulations. No advertisements were placed for the positions, and payments as remuneration/salary/honorarium were distributed to various individuals. They claimed that 90 appointments were made in DCW between August 6, 2015, and August 1, 2016. Of these, 71 were on a contractual basis, and 16 were appointed for the 'Dial 181' crisis helpline. They mentioned that records for the remaining three appointments were unavailable.
Swati Maliwal - File Photo
