BJP fined Rs. 25,000 for non-appearance of witness Bhupendra Yadav

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was Rs 25,000 by a court here today after its parliamentarian Bhupender Yadav failed to appear before it as witness in a complaint filed by senior advocate Ram Jethmalani.

Additional District Judge Vineeta Goyal at Patiala House district Court passed this order.

The court was hearing a plea filed by Ram Jethmalani against his May 2013 expulsion from BJP. Ashish Dixit, counsel for the senior advocate had challenged the party's decision in court. However, BJP has sought more time from court to defend itself.

The defendants cited Bhupendra Yadav as witness where he had to prove their case. However, Yadav missed two court dates – June 8 and July 15, on which he was summoned as a witness.

According to the defendants lawyer, Manik Dogra, Yadav could not make it court since his father was unwell.

Yadav was slated to appear on Saturday as well, however, he filed a pre-emptive application for exemption of appearance.

In May 2013, Jethmalani was expelled from the BJP for a period of six years on charges of "breach of discipline" after he butted heads against then party chief Nitin Gadkari.

The court listed the matter for August 17 for further hearing.