JUDGMENT :

V. Ramasubramanian, J.

Leave granted.

2. The order of summoning issued by the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate-I, Rouse Avenue Courts, New Delhi, in a criminal complaint of defamation filed by Respondent No.1 herein against six individuals, was challenged before the High Court unsuccessfully, by persons arrayed as Accused Nos.1 and 5 and hence both of them have come up with the above Criminal Appeals.

3. We have heard Shri R. Venkataramani and Ms. Pinky Anand, learned senior counsel appearing for the appellants and Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, learned senior counsel, as well as Shri Shadan Farasat, learned counsel appearing for Respondent No.1.

4. On 19.07.2019, Respondent No.1 herein filed a complaint under Section 200 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (hereinafter referred to as ‘Cr.P.C’) against six individuals, on the file of the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate-I, Rouse Avenue Courts, New Delhi, alleging commission of the offences under Sections 499 and 500 read with Sections 34 and 35 of the Indian Penal Code (hereinafter referred to as ‘IPC’). The case of Respondent No.1 in his complaint was, that he has been the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi since