LI Network
Published on: February 3, 2024 at 11:20 IST
The Gujarat High Court has concluded the arguments in the petitions filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his party’s MP Sanjay Singh. Both individuals challenged a Sessions Court’s decision to uphold the summons issued against them in a defamation case filed by Gujarat University.
The University alleged that Kejriwal and Singh made defamatory statements against it by not disclosing Prime Minister Modi’s degree.
During the proceedings, Senior Advocates Rebecca John and Nirupam Nanavaty represented Arvind Kejriwal and Gujarat University respectively. John argued that the University’s defamation complaint lacked merit as the alleged defamatory statements were not directed at the University and did not accuse it of providing a forged degree to PM Modi.
John emphasized that the accused did not question the University’s integrity until they sought amendments in the divorce suit initiated by them. She also raised concerns about the evidentiary value of a video submitted by the complainant, highlighting procedural irregularities.
On the other hand, Nanavaty contended that the plea in the case had already been recorded, and Kejriwal and Singh had pleaded not guilty. He argued against halting the trial process and emphasized the University’s standing to defend its reputation, citing testimonies from University employees.
Justice Hasmukh Suthar reserved the order after hearing the arguments. The court is set to announce its verdict on February 16, marking a significant development in this ongoing legal battle.