Gujarat HC Rejects Plea By Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh

The Gujarat High Court, on February 16, dismissed a plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh challenging summons issued against them in defamation case filed by Gujarat University for their remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree.

In their appeal challenging dismissal of revision application by the Sessions Court, the appellants had argued that the issuance of summons in the instant criminal defamation case was against the right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution of India.

Bench comprising Justice Hasmukh D. Suthar heard the matter and announced his decision.

The appeal had averred that the statements were political in nature and they would not attract the provision of Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code.

The Gujarat University had filed a complaint case under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code 1860 wherein it was alleged that Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh had made defamatory remarks against the University over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree.

More to follow...