In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has issued a stay on the criminal defamation proceedings initiated in a Gujarat court against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament, Sanjay Singh. The case revolves around Singh’s comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s academic degree.
A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta granted the stay while simultaneously rejecting Singh’s plea to transfer the trial outside Gujarat. The court emphasized that Singh should approach the high court for an appeal or interim relief within the next four weeks. Until a decision is reached by the high court, the proceedings in the trial court will remain stayed.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is also named as an accused in the same defamation case. The Gujarat court had previously called for Singh’s production on December 28, despite being informed that he was under arrest in connection with an alleged money laundering case.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Sanjay Singh, argued that the intention behind the legal action is to find Singh guilty and disqualify him, even as his appeal for a stay is pending before the high court. Singhvi stressed that Singh has not made any statements against the complainant in the case, the Gujarat University.
The bench responded by assuring Singhvi that if a disqualification order is issued, the Supreme Court will address it. Furthermore, the justices directed the high court to expedite the decision, urging a resolution within one month. They emphasized that trial proceedings must remain stayed as long as Singh is in custody.
Singhvi contended that the university in question is state government-funded and under the overall control of the Union government. When asked about any apprehensions, Singhvi explained, “It is about the overall system. Although in the petition I have requested a transfer to Kolkata, it can be anywhere else. I said Kolkata as it is a state where my political party is not affiliated.”
This development highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding the defamation case and underscores the ongoing legal challenges faced by political figures in India. The Supreme Court’s intervention brings temporary relief to Sanjay Singh as the legal proceedings undergo further examination.
Sources By Agencies
