New Delhi: A Delhi Metropolitan Court sentenced two years imprisonment and a fine of ₹ one lakh to AAP MLA Somnath Bharati on Saturday, for assaulting the AIIMS security staff in a case registered in 2016.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Pandey pronounced the judgement. According to the prosecution, on September 9, 2016, Somnath Bharti, along with nearly 300 others, brought down the fence of a boundary wall at the AIIMS in Delhi with a JCB operator. “The court is of the considered view that the prosecution has duly proved its case beyond all reasonable doubt against accused Somnath Bharti,” the Magistrate said.
The court convicted Somnath Bharti for various offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including under sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 353 (assault or use of criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 147 (rioting). It also held the AAP MLA guilty under section 3 (mischief causing damage to public property) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
The offences carry a maximum punishment of five years in jail. The Court, however, acquitted Bharti’s associates and co-accused – Jagat Saini, Dileep Jha, Sandeep Sonu and Rakesh Pandey, citing a lack of evidence against them. AIIMS Chief Security Officer RS Rawat lodged a complaint. The Court granted bail to Somnath Bharti, to enable him to file an appeal before the High Court against his conviction in the case and jail term.