SC halts Gujarat defamation case against AAP MP Sanjay Singh

• SC stays criminal defamation proceedings against AAP MP Sanjay Singh in a Gujarat court over remarks on PM Modi's academic degree
• The court declines Singh's plea to transfer the trial outside Gujarat but directs the high court to expedite the appeal for interim relief
•  Singh's senior advocate raises concerns about potential disqualification, emphasizing Singh's lack of defamatory remarks against Gujarat University

The SC of India has issued a stay on the criminal defamation proceedings initiated in a Gujarat court against AAP MP, Sanjay Singh. The defamation case is centered around Singh's remarks concerning PM Modi's academic degree. A bench comprising justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta passed the order, dismissing Singh's plea to transfer the trial outside Gujarat. Despite the refusal to entertain the transfer request, the SC stated, 'request the high court to hear the appeal for a stay or at least the prayer for interim relief within four weeks.'

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is also implicated in the defamation case alongside Singh. The Gujarat court had previously sought Singh's production on December 28, despite being informed of his arrest in connection with an alleged money laundering case.Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Singh, expressed concerns about the intent to find his client guilty and potentially disqualify him while an appeal seeking a stay is pending before the high court. 

Addressing Singhvi's concerns, the bench assured that if a disqualification order is passed, the SC will handle it. The court pledged to direct the high court to expedite the matter's resolution within one month. The bench underscored that trial proceedings must remain stayed as long as Singh is in custody, and in a defamation case, the accusation must be communicated to the accused.Singhvi argued that the university is state government-funded and falls under the overall control of the Union government.

When asked about his 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."The case takes a complex turn as legal battles unfold, involving high-profile political figures and addressing issues related to jurisdiction and political affiliation. The Supreme Court's intervention provides a temporary respite for Sanjay Singh as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.