Modi degree row: Gujarat HC refuses to stay defamation proceedings against Kejriwal

The Gujarat High Court on Friday (August 11) rejected Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh's plea seeking a stay on the criminal defamation proceedings against them filed by the Gujarat University in connection with remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree.

While refusing to grant a stay on the defamation proceedings underway at a metropolitan court here against the two leaders, Justice Samir Dave noted that both of them had earlier given an assurance to the district sessions court that they will remain present before the metropolitan court to record their statement. "You have to remain present... you are avoiding court appearance,” Justice Dave said while rejecting their plea.

A metropolitan court earlier summoned Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal and AAP's Rajya Sabha member Singh on August 11 in the defamation case filed by the Gujarat University over their "sarcastic" and "derogatory" statement in connection with PM Modi's degree. The two AAP leaders later filed a revision application in the sessions court challenging the metropolitan court's summons in the defamation case.

However, the district sessions court rejected their plea, after which they approached the Gujarat High Court.

(With agency inputs)