Delhi government issues notice to DCW chief

New Delhi, May 15: The Delhi government on Friday issued notice to DCW chairperson Barkha Singh following complaints by a team member over irregular activities of the commission in handling a complaint against AAP leader Kumar Vishwas.

The complaints have been filed by Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) member Juhi Khan. [Delhi HC refuses to stay DCW summons on Kumar Vishwas]

The notice to the DCW head said: "You (Barkha Singh) have abused your position as chairperson in such a manner that you have rendered your continuance in office detrimental to the public interest.

"Hence you are directed to show cause as to why you should not be removed from the office of chairperson because of your aforesaid misconduct."

Singh has been asked to reply within three days of receipt of the notice.

"If no reply is received within the stipulated time, it will be presumed that you have nothing to say in the matter and appropriate action will be taken as per law," the notice said.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government further charged Singh with violating established norms by holding a press conference when the matter was pending with DCW.

"It has been noted that you addressed a press conference on May 5 in the matter related to Kumar Vishwas, though there is no provision in the 'complaint handling policy' of the commission to hold public press conference in any issue when it is pending before the commission for decision," the notice said.

Singh has also been charged with maligning the image of another commission member.

"You not only prevented another member of the commission (Juhi Khan) from placing her views but also you, in person, maligned her in full public view only because she had a different viewpoint and further you charged her with being a member of AAP without any such facts being placed before you," it stated.

DCW had issued summons to Vishwas on a volunteer's complaint that her life was ruined because he was refusing to publicly deny "rumours" of their alleged affair.

Vishwas later moved the Delhi High Court seeking stay on the summons issued to him by DCW.

IANS