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The Supreme Court of India delivered a significant ruling on October 21, 2024, dismissing a petition filed by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging a criminal defamation case against him. The case, initiated by the Registrar of Gujarat University, stemmed from Kejriwal's public comments regarding the educational degree of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Kejriwal's petition aimed to overturn an earlier decision by the Gujarat High Court, which had dismissed his challenge to the summons issued in the defamation case. The Supreme Court, citing its previous dismissal of a similar petition filed by co-accused Sanjay Singh, opted for consistency in its approach and declined to entertain Kejriwal's appeal.
Despite dismissing the petition, the Supreme Court emphasized that its decision did not prejudice the merits of the case, leaving all contentions open to be decided in the trial. The court acknowledged Kejriwal's argument that his statements questioning the authenticity of Modi's degree were not intended to defame Gujarat University, but rather to raise concerns about the lack of transparency in the university's disclosure of Modi's academic record.
However, the Solicitor General of India, representing Gujarat University, highlighted the previous High Court order quashing the Central Information Commission's directive to provide a copy of Modi's degree certificate. The High Court had also imposed costs on Kejriwal in that judgment. During the hearing, Kejriwal's legal team expressed willingness to offer a statement of regret for the remarks made. However, the Solicitor General objected strongly, characterizing Kejriwal's actions as a pattern of making reckless statements followed by apologies. The court ultimately dismissed the petition, concluding that it was not inclined to deviate from the precedent established in the Sanjay Singh case.
The Supreme Court's decision has significant implications for the ongoing legal battle surrounding the authenticity of Modi's degree. It strengthens the legal framework for pursuing defamation cases, particularly when such cases involve public figures and sensitive political matters. While the Supreme Court did not adjudicate the merits of the case, its dismissal of Kejriwal's appeal sends a clear message regarding the court's commitment to upholding the integrity of the judicial process and its adherence to established legal precedents.