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Synopsis

The Goa Police today withdrew the summons issued to the Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal after the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court came down heavily on the Goa police.

Arvind Kejriwal was issued summons by the Perenem Police Station of Goa for defacing public property. The Goa police had asked Kejriwal to be present before it for questioning on the 27th of April.

The police officials were investigating an FIR registered against the AAP leader under the Goa Prevention of Defacement of Property Act. Accordingly, Kejriwal was served notice by the police under Section 41A of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The police officials had alleged that the APP leader had during the 2022 election put up posters on the public walls. The police officials in the notice served to the APP leader had said that they had reasonable grounds to question Kejriwal with respect to the investigation being carried on.

Kejriwal had approached the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court against the summons issued to him. Kejriwal had contended that the notice was served to him without following due process of law and was without any basis.

When the matter came up for hearing before the high court today, a division bench of the high court comprising Justice MS Sonak and Justice Valmiki SA Menezes questioned the police officials on what material was available with them to proceed against the AAP Minister.

After the police officials were not able to show any material, the bench questioned the officials if they would want to withdraw the summons otherwise the high court would pass a detailed order quashing the summons.

When the matter was taken up again at 2:30 today, the high court was informed through an undertaking that the police officials would withdraw the summons issued to Kejriwal.

Senior Advocate Subodh Kantak and Advocate Shivraj Gaonkar appeared for Kejriwal

Case title: Arvind Kejriwal vs State, Through Official Incharge Pernem Police Station