Supreme Court Upholds Gujarat HC Summons Against Kejriwal in Modi Degree Defamation Case

The Supreme Court has rejected Arvind Kejriwal's plea to dismiss Gujarat HC's summons in a defamation case concerning remarks about Prime Minister Modi's degree. Echoing previous decisions, the court emphasized a consistent approach. Kejriwal contends his statements shouldn't trigger defamation claims by Gujarat University.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea from Arvind Kejriwal, challenging the Gujarat High Court's decision to uphold summons issued in a criminal defamation case by Gujarat University. The case pertains to comments made by Kejriwal about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's academic degree. A bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti reinforced the ruling by maintaining consistency with past judgments, citing a similar plea by AAP leader Sanjay Singh that was previously dismissed.

The court emphasized the need for consistency in its approach while deciding against entertaining Kejriwal's plea. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, argued that no defamation statement was directed at Gujarat University, hence questioning the legitimacy of the complaint filed by the institution. However, the apex court remained unconvinced by the argument presented.

The Gujarat University Registrar, Piyush Patel, filed the defamation suit following allegedly derogatory remarks by Kejriwal and Singh, particularly after the Gujarat High Court overruled a CIC decision granting access to information about Prime Minister Modi's educational qualifications. The case has seen various legal challenges, from metropolitan to high court levels, with the courts consistently declining requests to quash the proceedings.

(With inputs from agencies.)