Delhi High Court seeks report from Delhi Police on listing AAP leader Amanatullah Khan a 'bad character' but refuses interim relief

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to Delhi Police and asked it to file a status report in the case related to listing of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Amanatullah Khan as 'bad character' after opening the 'history sheet' against him. .Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma, however, refused to pass directions to the Delhi Police restraining them from taking action against Khan."It is likely to curtail your personal liberty but the matter requires serious consideration. I have admitted your petition. I will give a short date for hearing," Justice Sharma told Khan's counsel. The Court also refused to pass any orders injuncting the police to not make the details public or leak it to the media..The Delhi legislator had approached the High Court seeking quashing of the history sheet on the grounds that it was issued in violation of the Punjab Police Rules. These rules are applicable to Delhi Police as well, the Court was told..Counsel M Sufian Siddiqui, appearing for Khan, informed that even though the concerned police officer has to accord reasons whenever a history sheet is opened and a person is listed as 'bad character', but the procedure for the same as provided under the Rules was followed.He added details of the development have to be kept secret but it was leaked to the media."On the face of it their conduct is mala fide. They leaked it to the media before it was sent to me. It has been published in all the newspapers. This is in complete violation of my Article 21 rights," it was argued..However, the counsel appearing for Delhi Police stated that details were not leaked by the Police."He is a political person. He may have leaked it himself. We have not leaked anything. He has 16 FIRs against him," the counsel said.Siddiqui however stated that Khan has been discharged or is on bail in 14 of these FIRs..The matter will considered again on July 28..Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.