NEW DELHI: Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to face defamation trial after the Supreme Court on Monday upheld the summons by Gujarat Metropolitan court over his "sarcastic" and "derogatory" remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's educational qualifications.
"We must have a consistent approach. Having regard to that view, we would not like to entertain the present plea. The same is dismissed," the apex court said.
Arguing on Kejriwal's behalf, Abhishek Singhvi said, "If at all the statement was defamatory, it is for Modi to file a criminal defamation case and not for the Gujarat University registrar."
Singhvi contended that no defamation case was established, as Kejriwal simply questioned why the university had not published PM Modi's degree. However, the bench rejected Kejriwal's plea.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the University, noted that a separate bench of the Supreme Court had already dismissed Singh's petition on April 8. He mentioned that PM Modi's degree had been uploaded on the university's website and referenced the Gujarat high court's dismissal of the CIC order.
"Their statements were sarcastic and intentionally made to hurt the prestige of the university," he added.
On February 16, the high court dismissed pleas from Singh and Kejriwal seeking to quash summons issued against them in the defamation case filed by Gujarat University.
"We must have a consistent approach. Having regard to that view, we would not like to entertain the present plea. The same is dismissed," the apex court said.
Arguing on Kejriwal's behalf, Abhishek Singhvi said, "If at all the statement was defamatory, it is for Modi to file a criminal defamation case and not for the Gujarat University registrar."
Singhvi contended that no defamation case was established, as Kejriwal simply questioned why the university had not published PM Modi's degree. However, the bench rejected Kejriwal's plea.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the University, noted that a separate bench of the Supreme Court had already dismissed Singh's petition on April 8. He mentioned that PM Modi's degree had been uploaded on the university's website and referenced the Gujarat high court's dismissal of the CIC order.
"Their statements were sarcastic and intentionally made to hurt the prestige of the university," he added.
On February 16, the high court dismissed pleas from Singh and Kejriwal seeking to quash summons issued against them in the defamation case filed by Gujarat University.
You may also like
US Presidential Election Top 10: Donald Trump – McDonald's 'Employee of the Month'
NCLT dismisses ADAVPL's application to block use of 'Reliance' brand by IIHL
Mumbai University Reschedules Distance, Online Course Exams Owing To Maharashtra Polls
Liverpool could make 4 changes for RB Leipzig with Arsenal showdown looming
These Must-Have Lip Balms For Men And Women Can Be Truly Game-Changing
