New Delhi, Sep 14 : Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot appeared through video conferencing before the Rouse Avenue District court, New Delhi, in a defamation case filed by Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Shekhawat filed the complaint before the District court of Rouse Avenue, New Delhi against Gehlot by submitting thatthe Rajasthan Chief Minister has defamed him and falsely accused him of being involved in the Rs 900 crore Sanjivani Credit Society scam. He contended that his name did not appear anywhere when the Rajasthan government investigated the matter.
It is alleged by Shekhawat that the accused, by way of press conferences, media report/social media posts, etc. has publicly stated that not only the complainant and his family members are accused in the Sanjeevani scam, but also that the allegations against the complainant, in the said scam, stand proved.
His counsel alleged that the accused on different occasions addressed the media and also uploaded videos and
posts on his social media accounts in order to maliciously defame the complainant by way of false statements, particularly stating that the allegations against the complainant in Sanjeevani scam stand proved and that the crime, of misappropriation/embezzlement of money belonging to poor and innocent investors, has been proved against the complainant.
Shekhawat requested to the court that Gehlot be prosecuted for criminal defamation defined under the provisions of Indian Penal Code(IPC) and sought an appropriate financial compensation for the loss of his reputation.
The court earlier passed an order for issuance of summon under section 499 and 500 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) against CM Gehlot for appearance before the court.
Counsel for Gehlot had earlier moved an application under section 256 of Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.) seeking acquittal in the case.
Shekhawat was also present through video conferencing before the court of Sh. Harjit Singh Jaspal, ACMM.
Counsel on behalf of Shekhawat and Gehlot argued at length before the court on the application under section 256 Cr.P.C. and also placed on record the relevant judgments passed by the Apex Court and High Court of the States.
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Harjeet Singh Jaspal after hearing arguments on behalf of both sides put up the matter on September 19 for orders.
