Sun Feb 23 08:34:14 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Court Dismisses Charges Against AAP MLA for Disobeying Police Order

**New Delhi, February 23, 2025** – A Delhi court has dismissed charges against former AAP MLA Rituraj Govind Jha and others for allegedly disobeying a police order during a protest in March 2024. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Paras Dalal ruled that even if the accused disobeyed the order, it did not cause any obstruction, annoyance, or injury.

The case stemmed from a protest on March 24, 2024, where Mr. Jha, along with others, defied a police order while protesting against the Prime Minister and the Enforcement Directorate during the Model Code of Conduct period. They were charged under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (disobedience to order of a public servant).

However, the judge criticized the investigating officer for the excessive delay in the investigation, taking nine months to file the police report despite the case involving only 13 documents and four witnesses. The judge noted the lack of a preliminary inquiry or legal opinion before the FIR was registered, and the similarity between the initial complaint, FIR, and chargesheet. The court also condemned the lack of oversight from the SHO and ACP, who failed to question the lengthy delay.

The judge’s order highlighted the absence of evidence demonstrating that the alleged disobedience caused any harm, ultimately leading to the dismissal of the charges. A copy of the order has been sent to the concerned DCP for appropriate action.

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