New Delhi, Sep 6 (UNI) Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat sought some time to file a reply on the application filed by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for his acquittal in the criminal defamation case filed against the latter by the former in the ACMM court here.
Counsel for the Shekhawat has submitted in the court that a list of documents supplied by the complainant are either illegible in toto or are partially illegible.
The Shekhawat Counsel has assured to supply legible copies by today itself.
Counsel for Shekhawat further drawn the attention of the court to the application of Gehlot u/s 256 Criminal Procedure Code(Cr.P.C.) filed on the last date of hearing seeking the acquittal in the case.
Counsel for the complainant seeks time to file reply/make submissions on the said application.
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Harjeet Singh Jaspal after hearing said, ” Ld. Counsel for the complainant seeks time to file reply/make submissions on the said application. Allowed.
Be taken up on next date of hearing for arguments, reply if any, be filed at least two days prior to the next date of hearing, with advance copy to the opposite party”.
Counsel for complainant after some time submitted that the documents, in their entirety have been sent through email today, including coloured copies and counsel for the accused has acknowledged the receipt of email. It is also acknowledged that the certified copies have also been received through the Copying Agency.
The court said, ” Since the submitting documents are now complete, let the matter be put for arguments on notice/further proceedings on 14.09.2023″.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat had filed a defamation case before the District court of Rouse Avenue, New Delhi against Gehlot by submitting that the Rajasthan Chief Minister has defamed him and falsely accused him of being involved in the Rs 900 crore Sanjivani Credit Society scam.
Shekhawat 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, his family members are accused in the Sanjivani scam, but also that the allegations against the complainant, in the said scam, stand proved.
His counsel had alleged that the accused has on different occasions addressed the media and has 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 Sanjivani 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 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 had earlier issued summons under section 499 and 500 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Rajasthan CM for his appearance before the court. The arguments on the application of Gehlot seeking acquittal in the case was listed for today.
