Somnath’s wife says ‘no’ to mediation.

A “positive no” from his estranged wife, to the Supreme Court’s question whether she is willing to settle out of court, has put paid to former Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti’s hope of getting out of jail anytime soon.

Ms. Lipika Mitra, who filed a complaint of domestic abuse and attempt to murder against the ruling AAP MLA, told an open court on Monday that she was “absolutely” against settling the case through mediation. Her statement before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India H.L. Dattu gives the lie to Mr. Bharti’s repeated claim that this was only a small domestic dispute blown out of proportion.

Interrupting Mr. Bharti’s lawyer Vijay Aggarwal at the outset, Chief Justice Dattu said the hearing was meant for “the lady” to clear the air on the mediation proposal. “You are expected to say whether you want to go in for mediation or not... say yes or no, nothing more. He says this is a small dispute ripe for mediation. You both can settle this?” asked Chief Justice Dattu.

“Absolutely not,” Ms. Mitra replied.

“Fine, there is nothing more here,” said the CJI, disposing of the petition by Mr. Bharti. “We cannot force the lady to go in for an amicable settlement.”

He asked Mr. Bharti to approach the trial court for regular bail.

We cannot force her to opt for an amicable settlement, says CJI