In a recent development in Ahmedabad, a metropolitan court issued a production warrant against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh. This action is in connection with a criminal defamation case concerning comments made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s educational degree. The case, filed by Gujarat University (GU), has been a point of contention, involving high-profile political figures and raising questions about the use of public platforms for political discourse.
The court, led by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate S J Panchal, directed the authorities of Tihar Jail, where Singh is currently incarcerated, to produce him before the court on January 11. This decision came after Singh’s lawyer informed the court that he had not received any instructions from Singh due to his imprisonment in Tihar Jail, following his arrest on October 5 in a money laundering case related to an alleged excise scam in Delhi.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, also an accused in the case, sought exemption from appearance for the day, which the court accepted. The case against Kejriwal and Singh stems from their statements about PM Modi’s degree, which followed the Gujarat High Court’s quashing of an order by the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC). The CIC had initially directed the university to disclose Modi’s MA degree under the Right to Information Act, a decision later overturned by the High Court.
GU’s counsel, Amit Nair, filed an application under Section 267 of the CrPC, which allows courts to secure the presence of a prisoner for court proceedings. The university, represented by Nair, had its witnesses present in court, and they did not object to Kejriwal’s exemption, given the circumstances surrounding Singh’s representation.
The controversy over PM Modi’s degree has been a subject of public and legal scrutiny, with the AAP leaders’ comments targeting Gujarat University and its handling of the degree information. The complainant argued that these comments were defamatory and damaged the prestige of the university, which has established a significant reputation among the public.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between political discourse and legal boundaries, especially in cases involving high-profile public figures and institutions. The upcoming court proceedings on January 11 are anticipated to further unravel the complexities of this defamation case, which has captured the attention of the nation.
Also read-Jharkhand High Court Dismisses PIL Against CM Soren Over Mining Lease Allegations (lawchakra.in)
