In the ongoing controversy over Prime Minister Modi’s degree, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Jayeshbhai Chovatiya recently stated that remarks made by Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh were “prima facie defamatory.” Consequently, both politicians have been summoned in the case.
This decision by the ACMM was reached after examining oral and digital evidence, notably including Kejriwal’s tweets and speeches. These comments were in reaction to a “judgment of the Gujarat High Court” on the issue.
The High Court, in its judgment, had given the green light to an appeal by the University, asserting that there was no obligation to disclose Prime Minister Modi’s degree. Furthermore, the court levied a fine of ₹25,000 on Kejriwal.
In reference to the subsequent statements made by Kejriwal and Singh, the ACMM observed that the accused politicians, being
“well-educated political office-bearers,”
should have been cognizant of the repercussions their statements might have on the public. The magistrate further emphasized,
“If political office bearers work for their personal enmity or selfishness instead of fulfilling their duty to their people, it is considered a violation of the people’s trust,”
while delivering the summoning order.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the legal proceedings related to Prime Minister Modi’s degree and the subsequent comments made by key political figures.
