No SC relief, Kejriwal to face defamation trial over Modi-degree jibes

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal 's plea challenging an order of the Gujarat high court refusing to quash summons in a defamation case over his remarks on PM Modi's educational qualification.

Noting that another SC bench earlier rejected a plea of AAP leader Sanjay Singh in the same case, a bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti said a consistent approach must be taken and dismissed Kejriwal's plea, paving way for prosecution. Both Kejriwal and Singh are facing criminal defamation case filed by Gujarat University's registrar.Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi contended that the defamation case lacked merit as the complainant registrar was not directly mentioned in Kejriwal's remarks. But Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, "Arvind Kejriwal is in the habit of making irresponsible and defamatory statements. When he faces proceedings, he immediately tenders apology".

Submitting that the case should be brought to its logical conclusion, the solicitor general said his client did not accept the apology, and Kejriwal must face legal proceedings.