Supreme Court dismisses Arvind Kejriwal’s plea in defamation case over PM Modi’s degree remarks
- In Reports
- 04:17 PM, Oct 21, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea filed by former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, challenging an order of the Gujarat High Court in a defamation case related to his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's educational qualifications. The Gujarat University had filed the case after Kejriwal questioned the validity of the Prime Minister’s degree.
A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti presided over the hearing and noted that a similar plea by AAP leader Sanjay Singh had already been rejected by another Supreme Court bench earlier this year, on April 8. Referring to that decision, the bench emphasised that "We must have a consistent approach," according to PTI.
The defamation case began after Kejriwal and Singh made comments casting doubts on Modi's degree, leading the Gujarat University to take legal action. A trial court had subsequently issued summons to both leaders. They both moved the Gujarat High Court to quash the summons, but their pleas were dismissed in February. The High Court’s decision prompted Kejriwal to approach the Supreme Court.
Despite Kejriwal’s attempt to overturn the Gujarat High Court ruling, the apex court’s decision on Monday upheld the High Court's earlier judgment, reinforcing the summons issued against the AAP leaders in the case.
This marks a significant setback for both Kejriwal and Singh as they continue to face legal consequences over their statements regarding the Prime Minister’s degree. The Supreme Court’s decision further solidifies the position taken by the lower courts in this defamation case.
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