The sessions court in Ahmedabad has recently delivered a pivotal judgment concerning Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, both of whom are leading figures in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The court has decided to uphold the summons issued to both leaders in connection with a criminal defamation case. This case was initiated by Gujarat University in response to comments made by the AAP leaders about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s academic qualifications.
Gujarat University’s legal action stems from what they describe as “sarcastic” and “derogatory” remarks made by Kejriwal and Singh regarding the Prime Minister’s educational background. The university’s stance has been clear in seeking accountability for these statements, which they believe have tarnished their reputation.
In a detailed review, the sessions court in Ahmedabad rejected the applications submitted by both AAP leaders that challenged the legitimacy of these summons. The court’s decision emphasized the correctness of the lower court’s trial order, thereby validating Gujarat University’s grievances.
The subsequent legal proceedings are scheduled to take place in the lower court on September 23. However, in the interim, it is expected that Kejriwal’s legal team will approach the High Court for further deliberation. During the initial hearings on September 6 and 8, the defense, representing the AAP leaders, argued that the summons’ order was not justified. They further contended that Gujarat University was not in a position to file a defamation case on this matter and that the allegations against Kejriwal and Singh were baseless.
Judge J M Brahmbhatt, after hearing the arguments from all sides, reserved the court’s decision, which was subsequently announced on September 14. This case, given its high-profile nature and the individuals involved, has drawn significant attention from both the media and the public. It serves as a testament to the intricate relationship between political discourse and legal accountability, especially when public figures make statements on contentious topics.
