CM Ashok Gehlot appeared in Delhi court through video conferencing, next hearing on 21

Sanjeevani Scam: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday appeared in Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court through virtual mode in the defamation case filed by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat recently filed a criminal defamation case against Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for allegedly defaming him by commenting on the 'Sanjivani' scam.

After recording Gehlot's appearance today, Special Judge (ACMM) of Rouse Avenue Court, Harjit Singh Jaspal fixed the matter for hearing on August 21 for verification of documents. The Court further said that the Sessions Court of Rouse Avenue Court, while hearing the revision petition of Ashok Gehlot last week, had not stayed the proceedings of the complaint case.

In fact, Ashok Gehlot challenged the summons issued against him by the Magistrate Court and the ongoing proceedings in the Sessions Court of Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court in a defamation complaint filed by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The Sessions Court observed that the gist of the allegations made in the aforesaid complaint case is that the petitioner had published certain statements and speeches in print and electronic media against the respondent.

Defendant's Claimed Statements Damaged Reputation

The defendants claim that the speeches are defamatory and damaging to his reputation and have been made for malicious and political reasons. These statements broadly pertain to the participation and status of the respondent and his family members as accused in a Sanjeevani scam.

The petitioner is presently working as the Chief Minister of the State of Rajasthan and is also said to be holding the charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the respondent is said to be a cabinet minister of the Central Government and a member of the Lok Sabha from Jodhpur. Court said, Rajasthan and thus, both the parties to this petition are on high positions and have respect in public.

What is the whole matter?

Let us tell you that Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat had recently moved Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court and filed a defamation case against Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, alleging that Ashok Gehlot had given a speech against him. It was said that the allegations against him in connection with the Sanjivani scam have been proved.

On Shekhawat's complaint, on July 6 this year, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court's Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harpreet Singh Jaspal had said that after considering the facts and circumstances, testimony of complainant witnesses and evidence placed on record, prima facie it appears that It happens that the accused (Ashok Gehlot) has made specific defamatory statements against the complainant.