Domestic Violence Case: NBW Issued Against Somnath Bharti

14 September, New Delhi

A Delhi court Monday issued non-bailable warrant against AAP MLA and former Law Minister Somnath Bharti in a domestic violence and attempt to murder case.

Lipika, wife of Somnath Bharti, had filed a complaint of domestic violence with the Delhi Commission for Women on June 10 against the legislator. She had alleged that her husband had been abusing her since their marriage in 2010.

Lipika had also given a complaint to police in this regard. Police had lodged an FIR against Bharti under sections 307 (attempt to murder), 498 A (cruelty towards partner in marriage), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapon), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of IPC.

Defence Counsel submitted that Bharti wanted to support his wife and children and is ready for mediation and being a lawyer and ex-Delhi law minister there is no chance that he would abscond.

Prosecution contended that offences alleged against Bharti are of serious nature and two notices have already been issued to him by the police for joining probe in the case but being an influential person he was running away and not co-operating with the agency. Two FIRs, prosecution submitted, were earlier lodged against Bharti, including one on alleged molestation of African women.
Lipika opposed the anticipatory bail application by saying, ”My small kids are suffering and he has left me to die in front of my children.”

Additional Sessions Judge Sanjay Garg, after hearing Prosecution and Defence Counsel, dismissed the anticipatory bail application and issued a Non-Bailable Warrant against Bharti.