PM Modi degree controversy: Big blow to Arvind Kejriwal from Gujarat High Court, defamation case will be filed with Sanjay Singh

Ahmedabad. Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has not got any relief from the Gujarat High Court in the defamation case related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s educational degree. The court has rejected Kejriwal’s petition in which he had demanded a separate trial from Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh.

Strict decision of the High Court-
On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Justice M.R. While giving its verdict, the single bench of Mengde rejected Kejriwal’s application. The court had reserved its decision in this matter last month after a long debate. Although a detailed copy of the order is yet to come, the decision means that both the leaders will now have to face the court proceedings together.

Kejriwal’s argument versus the court’s stance-
Kejriwal’s argument: Kejriwal had argued that he and Sanjay Singh had given statements on different dates and uploaded different videos on social media. Therefore, the nature of the allegations of both are different and the trial should also be different.

Court’s decision: The High Court accepted the view of the Sessions Court as correct which said that both the leaders belonged to the same political party and their statements were inspired by the same political objective. Citing Section 223 of CrPC, the court said that if the offenses are committed under the same ‘transaction’ or purpose, then joint trial is completely justified.

What is the whole controversy?
This matter is of the year 2023 when Arvind Kejriwal (1 April) and Sanjay Singh (2 April) held a press conference and targeted Gujarat University over PM Modi’s degree.

University’s allegation: Gujarat University had filed a criminal defamation case against both the leaders, terming it as tarnishing the reputation of the institution.

Earlier comment of the High Court: Earlier in February 2024 also, the High Court had refused to cancel the summons issued to these leaders.

Political influence-
The legal battle that started over the Prime Minister’s degree now seems to be dragging on. With a joint trial, both the leaders will have to face witnesses and evidence together, which could be a big challenge for their legal team.