AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan merely questioned the officer, did not obstruct work, says his counsel

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Mr. Amanatullah Khan, AAP leader and MLA from Delhi, who is on trial for obstructing and criminally intimidating public officials from doing their duties, has come to final arguments.

Counsel BS Joon led the argument on Tuesday on Khan’s behalf. Mr. Joon stated the FIR was registered in Jamia Nagar police Station on November 01, 2010 on the complaint of Sub-Division Magistrate, who was leading a rescue operation team for child labourers in that area.

Mr. Joon contended that there was no scuffle between the AAP MLA and the officer and the officer was merely questioned as he was not in uniform. He further pointed out the procedural lapse on the part of the labour officials for conducting raid such as obtaining search warrant and other legal documents. Referring to the other similar incident, previously, wherein the thugs impersonating the officer have looted the residents of the locality. Mr. Joon contended that the people called their MLA to identify the officer and have a conversation. The Counsel of accused further contended that children there were above the age group prohibited under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. Hence, nothing illegal was happening in the factory.

Senior Advocate HS Phoolka appearing for Bachpan Bachao Andolan who initiated the arguments was asked by the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate to continue with further arguments on the next date of hearing due to paucity of time.

The arguments will be further heard on 17th January 2020. Mr. Amanatullah Khan was present in the proceeding.

— India Legal Bureau