New Delhi: Senior lawyer Ram Jethmalani on Tuesday said he was ready to defend Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for no charge in a defamation case filed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
Jethmalani’s statement came a day after CNN-News18 revealed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) wanted the taxpayers to foot the bill of defending Kejriwal.
“Everyone knows that I charge only the rich. If the government can’t pay, I will not charge. I will treat them as my poor client. This matter is instigated by Arun Jaitley," Jethmalani said.
“If he (Kejriwal) wins the suit, the cost will go back to the government…. I will defend him till my last breath. If he can’t pay, I will appear for free," he told CNN-News18.
Documents show that Jethmalani sent a bill of Rs 1 cr as retainer and charged Rs 22 lakh per appearance.
Documents accessed by CNN-News18.
Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia sent a letter for approval to L-G saying: "The statements made by Honourable chief Minister are in the official capacity. However, the name of the administrative department who will monitor the case and make payment of the cases is not mentioned."
Jaitley had in 2015 filed a criminal defamation complaint against Kejriwal and AAP leaders Raghav Chadha, Kumar Vishwas, Ashutosh, Sanjay Singh and Deepak Bajpai over their comments over the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) controversy, seeking their prosecution for offences that entail a punishment of up to two years in jail.
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