The Delhi High Court today refused to stay trial court proceedings in connection with a criminal defamation complaint filed against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

Justice I S Mehta, however, granted exemption to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders from personal appearance on April 6 before the trial court in the matter.

“Let the proceedings before the trial court go on.

“I am giving relief that they (Kejriwal and Sisodia) are exempted from appearing in person before the trial court on April 6,” the court said.

It said that the two will file an exemption application through their counsel before the trial court, which should be decided as per law.