The Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed the petition filed by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh to quash the defamation case filed against him by BJP worker Rajesh Kumar. Singh had claimed that his statement was not published accurately and that he had not defamed the BJP.
Singh’s counsel argued that the police should have investigated the matter first, but the JMFC court did not order an investigation. However, the advocate for the complainant argued that the JMFC court had the power to investigate the case itself or through any other agency and that no case of violence had been registered against Singh where police investigation was necessary. After hearing the arguments from both sides, the High Court rejected the petition filed by Singh.
This case originated in August 2019 when Singh had accused the BJP of having links with Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. BJP leader and advocate Bhadoria, considering the statement of Singh as defamatory, filed a complaint against him at the JMFC court in Gwalior under Sections 499, 500 of IPC.
The decision of the HC highlights the power of the JMFC court in investigating the case and how its action was deemed correct. This ruling is expected to have a significant impact on the political landscape of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
This ruling comes as a setback for Singh, who has been a prominent voice in Indian politics and known for his controversial statements. The decision by the High Court also sends a strong message to politicians and public figures to exercise caution with their words and to avoid making defamatory statements that could lead to legal consequences.
