11 August 2023, Mumbai: The Gujarat High Court has dismissed a plea by AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh, seeking a halt to criminal defamation proceedings initiated by Gujarat University. The case revolves around remarks made by the two leaders about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree. Justice Samir Dave declined their request for a stay on the defamation proceedings, highlighting their earlier commitment to appear before the metropolitan court for statement recording.
Judge Urges Court Appearance
Justice Samir Dave emphasized that Kejriwal and Singh must honor their commitment to appear in court, stating, “You have to remain present…You are avoiding court appearance.” The metropolitan court had summoned Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal and AAP’s Rajya Sabha member Singh on August 11 as part of the defamation case filed by Gujarat University concerning their “sarcastic” and “derogatory” remarks related to PM Modi’s degree.
AAP Leaders’ Legal Journey
After being summoned by the metropolitan court, Kejriwal and Singh submitted a revision application to the sessions court, contesting the summons in the defamation case.
However, their plea was rejected by the sessions court, prompting them to escalate the matter to the Gujarat High Court in their pursuit of legal relief.