Introduction:

The Supreme Court has intervened to stay criminal defamation proceedings against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh. The case originated from alleged derogatory remarks made by Singh against Gujarat University regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s academic degree. Despite Singh’s plea to transfer the case out of Gujarat, the court has left the question of interim relief to be decided by the Gujarat High Court within four weeks. The defamation case has been stayed till then, emphasizing the need for a fair evaluation of Singh’s request.

Arguments of Both Sides:

Senior Advocate Dr. AM Singhvi, representing Singh, argued that the trial Judge continued proceedings despite Singh seeking a stay before the High Court. Singhvi emphasized that Singh made no derogatory remarks against Gujarat University, the complainant in the case. The case originated from comments made by Singh and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal regarding PM Modi’s academic degree, leading to defamation charges by Gujarat University.

Court’s Judgement:

The Supreme Court, while refusing to entertain the transfer petition at this stage, directed the Gujarat High Court to decide Singh’s plea for stay or interim relief within four weeks. Until the High Court’s decision, the proceedings before the trial Judge have been stayed. The court’s intervention reflects its recognition of the need for a fair assessment of Singh’s request for relief in the ongoing defamation  case.